QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The compressed circular water pot is carved to the exterior with three recumbent rams detailed with curling horns. The stone is of a soft, yellow tone with minor russet inclusions. Based on Qing court archival records, Emperor Qianlong had exacting aesthetic standards in relation to scholar items made of yellow jade. He preferred a plain elegant style. With regard to the auspicious of the three rams, the emperor remarked that the pronunciation of the Chinese word of ram, which is the same as the word ‘yang’, should act as a reminder that humility is a necessary virtue even in the best of times. The present yellow jade water pot was likely to have been used in the emperor’s inner studio where he attended to official duties, studied and resided.