A CELADON-WHITE JADE 'CARP-DRAGON' CARVING QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

the translucent well polished pebble-shaped stone carved in high relief with a single-horn carp-dragon, its dragon head tucked along its right side, the coiled body with a pointed ridge spine extending to fan-like fins on the underside of the body

The overall condition is very good with only one 2 cm natural vein. The actual colour is less green and even whiter than in 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."

A carp transforming into a dragon comes from the legend that on the third month of the spring, schools of carp would swim up the Yellow River to spawn.  At a steep passage known as Dragon's Gate, the carp would have to leap up over the waterfall.  Most of the fish would not succeed, but those who did transformed into dragons.  The carp-dragon is symbolic of attaining success and were often bestowed to those studying for their civil service exams in hopes of passing. 

The present carving is possibly inspired by earlier, Song dynasty, carvings of mythical beasts; for example, see a jade pendant in the form of an animal with a dragon's head, fish's body and bird's wing, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (II), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 60.