Light green jade archaic vase

Archaic vessels from late Qing like this one are standardized and loose in decoration. The overall motives of this vase are probably copied from Han examples. The lip is edged with a formal key-fret design, derived from Han dynasty jade ornaments. Along the neck are two flanges with the familiar Cloud design in its primitive form; a motif frequently used as a basis in jade decoration. Between the neck and the main body of the vase, there is a thin small rope-like band with fine incised diagonal hatching. Below is an elongated cloud pattern that surrounds the contour of the main body of the vase. This is symmetrically flanked by a Taoist immortal child* with topknots on his hair embracing the vase on the right hand side and an infant feline dragon clinging on the left one. A smiling child stands on the clouds in a dynamic position with his left foot jutting forward while applying his right cheek to the surface of the vase. He also holds a luminous ball, an auspicious emblem, in his left hand. The horned dragon comfortably rests his head to the end of the cloud and stands on a lingzhi (a sacred fungus thought to have the ability to immortalize humans). Both give a sense of youth, relaxation, and playfulness. While we should be cautious in linking the iconography of the child and a infant feline dragon to the specific visual expression of the Neo-Daoism in late Chinese culture, upon seeing the amalgamation of these imageries, one cannot help but think of Daoism's perpetual quest for immortality. The carving style is typical of the late Qing period: a beautiful carving technique, detailed surfaces, and a refinement of shape. * The term shen (god) was also used to refer to a childlike being that was thought capable of bestowing blessings and other benefits in response to prayers and sacrifices by people