A Finely Carved Yellow Jade 'Prunus' Inkstick Rest Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period

of rectangular form supported on two rounded feet, the translucent stone of a pale yellow tone deftly carved and pierced with openwork to simulate a section of prunus tree trunk, the creamy-russet skin cleverly modelled as a branch laden with blossoms and a small flowering narcissus, together with a dragonfly and a butterfly in flight

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 25th April 2004, lot 73.

The overall condition is very good. The colour is a tinge yellower than the catalogue illustration. The patina is very smooth.
"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 elegant inkstick rest is notable for its naturalistic design, whereby the narcissus and prunus branches carved on the beige skin cleverly contrast with the translucent tree trunk. Compare a plain yellow jade inkstick rest in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 174, and a plain white jade inkstick rest, from the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the exhibition Great National Treasures of China, Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, Kaohsiung, 1994, cat. no. 52.