Bidspirit auction | Qing Dynasty Carved White Jade

Qing Dynasty Carved White Jade 'Shou' Patterned Box with Handle - Masterfully carved from superior white jade with an unctuous, translucent texture, this exquisite box represents the pinnacle of imperial lapidary craftsmanship during the Qianlong reign. The vessel is designed with a rectangular body, a fitted cover, and an overhead handle, mimicking the form of traditional tiered food baskets on a miniature scale. The cover is delicately incised with a lattice pattern on the top, framed by Ruyi cloud scrolls. The main body is prominently embellished with relief medallions featuring the archaic ”Shou” (Longevity) character in clerical script, flanked by stylized Kui dragon motifs that exhibit sharp, precise carving typical of the imperial workshop. The box rests on a flat base with a central six-character reign mark in seal script: ”Da Qing Qian Long Nian Zhi”. Standing at 9 cm in height, this significant jade piece—with its harmonious proportions and auspicious symbolism—serves as an outstanding record of mid-Qing dynasty scholarly aesthetics and technical virtuosity.