Carved jade brush container ‘Bats and Clouds’, Qing dynasty

A light-coloured jade vessel with slight amber flecks. It is circular, similar to a bowl, and is set on a quadrangular base with rounded edges, with scrolling clouds carved into the base. In the upper area, next to the bowl, and with an openwork interior that gives a sense of depth, are two large bats with outstretched wings amidst sinuously carved ruyi clouds. The depiction of bats and ruyi clouds are symbols of happiness, good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. Such objects were not only functional, but also have an ornamental character. 

Size: 3.7 x 9.3 x 10 cm

Weight: 501.5 g