AN INSCRIBED YELLOW JADE TEAPOT AND COVER 19TH / 20TH CENTURY

of square section, supported on a conforming low waisted foot, flanked by an angular spout opposite a scrolling C-shaped handle, carved on each side with an excerpt from chapter thirty-four of Laozi's Dao de jing and bearing a Qianlong seal mark reading Qianlong yushang, the domed cover set with a square knop, the stone of pale yellow green color with brown and white inclusions (2)

Jade House, Hong Kong, circa 1960 (by repute).

There are nicks on the interior and exterior lips of both the teapot and cover. There are also minor nicks to the foot of the teapot and spout.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The inscription may be translated as follows:

Act on it when it has not yet begun.
Set things in order before there is confusion.
A tree thick enough to embrace springs from a tiny sapling;
A tower of nine stories begins with a pile of earth;
A journey of a thousand miles begins under one's feet.

The one who meddles will fail;
The one who grasps will lose.
Therefore, sages does not meddle and thus do not fail.
They do not grasp and therefore do not lose.
People usually fail when they are on the verge of success.
So give as much care to the end as to the beginning;
Then there will be no failure.