A WHITE JADE CARVING OF TWO BOYS QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY OR POSSIBLY EARLIER

in the form of two boys holding a large peach, both dressed in loose fitting jackets over trousers and shoes, the larger boy with a cicada-form hair ornament on his shaven head with his left arm clutching the peach and his right arm protectively around the smaller boy, the smaller boy with a loose sash tied in a bow at his back and his head shaven save for the two tufts of hair above his ears, the pale translucent stone with faint russet veining

The overall condition is very good. There is a short vein on the back of the smaller boy's head. The actual colour is close to the catalogue illustration. The actual size is about 5% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The beauty of this translucent white jade is enhanced by the popular subject matter of boys carrying a large peach. Rich in symbolism, this jade carving would have been used as an auspicious 'play thing' or given as a present with the wish for many descendants and blessings for a long life. Images of boys in Chinese art symbolize continuity of the family line, while both the cicada and the peach represent immortality.  For a related piece see a fine carving of two boys holding a lingzhi spray and crouching next to a large peach, sold in our London rooms, 14^th May 2008, lot 578. See also an early, Song or Yuan dynasty, carving of two boys, in style and design closely related to the present piece, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, The University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 15.