Chinese Lidded Vase with Dragon Handles on Wood Stand

A green vessel with a pale dragon on each shoulder, and a dragon on the lid.

Chinese carvers made this lidded vase with dragon handles in jadeite in the 19th century. It sits on a pierced wood stand. Jadeite vessels of this kind are commonly made as display pieces and scholar’s objects, with archaic bronze shapes as their model. The body is a deep translucent green with a carved band of foliage, while the handles, neck and lid are pale, paler, and cream-green. The stand is dark, carved with scrolling leaves and flat to the table.

About 8 inches tall. Two colors of green, and an expert’s temper.