Kaminski Auctioneers
Lot 7025
Monumental Carved Chinese White Jade Censer, Qing. Important and Monumental White Jade Censer, Qing 1644-1911) Description: Tripod censer of unusually large proportions. Finial a lion, ribbon and ball motif in elaborate openwork carving. Lid and body decorated with an archaic motif, handles carved with animal heads and hanging rings. Each handle as a lion with curled tufts of hair extending broadly towards the body, giving the handles a broad presence. The stone of white or pale celadon color. Large spinach green jade stand, carved with a ribbed design. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Censer 12" across handles, on stand 11 1/2" H. Provenance: -Private Collector (letter of Provenance included) -Personal Collection of Mr Simon Kriger. Compare: Related censer from the National Museum of History, Taiwan, exhibition Jade: Ching Dynasty Treasures, Taipei, 1997, no. 80; Another related censer: The Splendor of Jade. Four Thousand Years of the Art of Chinese Jade Carving, New York, 1974, pl. 36; another Stanley Charles Nott, A Catalogue of Rare Chinese Jade Carvings, Palm Beach, 1940, no. 125. Notes: Simon Kriger b. 1900 in the Russian ÈmigrÈ community in Harbin, China and lived as an investment banker in the French Concession of Shanghai until political events lead him to move to America with his family. Residing in Washington D.C. from 1938 onwards he founded ìThe Asian Cultural Exchange Foundationî an organization who`s focus was to promote cultural exchange between Asia and the United States. He was known to the Freer and Smithsonian Collections having donated objects and is also noted for owning and lending for exhibition an 83 foot scroll painting by artist ìLang Shi Ningî (Giuseppe Castiglione). Kriger exhibited items from his personal collection at various Universities. Simon Kriger had a distinguished shop specializing in Asian art only steps from the White House in Washington D.C. A special few were invited to the second floor to see his ìJade Vaultî where he kept his most prized jades. The present censer remained in Mr. Kriger`s possession until it was acquired by Mr. S. A. in 1970s (letter of provenance included with lot) Although other jade censers such as this are known, this appears to be the largest in size to come to market for sale publicly. Starting Price: $10,000
