A White and Russet Jade 'Quail and Lingzhi' Group Carving Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

carved as an adjacent pair of quails conjoined at their bodies with their beaks in contact with each other's, their plumage meticulously incised, the larger one grasping a leafy sprig of lingzhi in its beak, the sprig elegantly extending across and enveloping their bodies, terminating with a leaf and lingzhi bloom on the underside next to the ducks' tucked-under feet, the smoothly polished stone of an even white colour with russet patches highlighting the lingzhi blooms, wood stand

The overall condition is very good with only a few minor nibbles to the extremities, especially to a small area of approx. 0.5 cm at the edge of one leaf. The stone has some natural veinings and inclusions. The actual colour is slightly warmer 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."

This charming piece is notable for the intricately carved details, as seen in the feathers and feet of the quails, the delicacy of which the craftsman has skilfully captured onto a small jade pebble. His dexterity with the medium is further evidenced in the lingzhi heads that have been picked out in the russet skin, which also suggests he has carved the piece according to the shape of the pebble to ensure minimal wastage of the precious stone. A related carving of two quails holding a lingzhi was sold at Christie's New York, 30th May 1991, lot 179.

Jade carvings of quails are more commonly known grasping millet stems; see one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware III, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 81; one sold in our London rooms, 12th June 1990, lot 87; another sold in these rooms, 27th October 1993, 512; and a fourth example sold in our Paris rooms, 9th June 2011, lot 18.

The lingzhi is symbol of longevity and wish-granting, while two quails form the rebus 'peace and prosperity' (shuang an).