$9,000 | Museum-Quality Original | Unaltered Interior
This exceptional mid-19th century Chinese cloisonné jar, restored from its later conversion into a lamp, is crowned with an intricately hand-carved pale nephrite jade finial in a pierced design, likely symbolic of ruyi (如意), or “as you wish”—a classic motif of good fortune and spiritual fulfillment. The cloud-like form may also incorporate early chilong (young dragon) motifs, often used to signify protection and longevity.
These cloisonné jars—with jade finials—have been replicated in the United States countless times, but this is a rare original, acquired by the seller’s great-great-grandparents during their time living in China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia in the 1800s. The craftsmanship, materials, and preservation are consistent with Qing dynasty ceremonial and export-quality production.
Intriguingly, it is rumored by historians and collectors that original jars of this type were used to smuggle platinum out of China during the late Qing period. While we cannot verify this claim, the jar has not been disturbed or altered internally in any way. Upon carefully converting it back into its original form, the interior was found to still contain the original packing straw—a rare survival and a powerful testament to the care with which this object was handled across generations.
The piece is in pristine condition, with no chips, cracks, or discoloration. It has been reversed from its lamp form with the top mount reattached, but it could be re-converted into a lamp by a collector or designer if desired.
A one-of-a-kind object of museum-level importance, offered here as part of a private family estate collection.
$9,000 | Museum-Quality Original | Unaltered Interior
This exceptional mid-19th century Chinese cloisonné jar, restored from its later conversion into a lamp, is crowned with an intricately hand-carved pale nephrite jade finial in a pierced design, likely symbolic of ruyi (如意), or “as you wish”—a classic motif of good fortune and spiritual fulfillment. The cloud-like form may also incorporate early chilong (young dragon) motifs, often used to signify protection and longevity.
These cloisonné jars—with jade finials—have been replicated in the United States countless times, but this is a rare original, acquired by the seller’s great-great-grandparents during their time living in China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia in the 1800s. The craftsmanship, materials, and preservation are consistent with Qing dynasty ceremonial and export-quality production.
Intriguingly, it is rumored by historians and collectors that original jars of this type were used to smuggle platinum out of China during the late Qing period. While we cannot verify this claim, the jar has not been disturbed or altered internally in any way. Upon carefully converting it back into its original form, the interior was found to still contain the original packing straw—a rare survival and a powerful testament to the care with which this object was handled across generations.
The piece is in pristine condition, with no chips, cracks, or discoloration. It has been reversed from its lamp form with the top mount reattached, but it could be re-converted into a lamp by a collector or designer if desired.
A one-of-a-kind object of museum-level importance, offered here as part of a private family estate collection.
