A FINELY CARVED YELLOW JADE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT RAM SONG / YUAN DYNASTY

finely carved in the form of a recumbent ram with its legs neatly tucked beneath its body, depicted with its head elegantly turned to its right, the horns, ears and tail finely executed in detail, the stone of a greenish-yellow colour with russet streaks

In overall good condition with minute areas of abrasion to the underside. The actual colour of the jade is 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."

Figures of rams have a long history in China, first appearing on Shang ritual bronzes, and in the form of bronze lamps and ceramic tomb figures during the Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220). The present piece echoes the powerful figures that line the Spirit Roads of Han tombs, yet the fluidity and fullness of its form conveys a sense of vitality and elegance. Compare a jade ram attributed to the Liang dynasty (502-56), unearthed from Lingjuntai, in Gansu province, included in the exhibition China. Dawn of a Golden Age, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2004, cat. no. 89.

A similar reclining ram, in the British Museum, London, is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade. From the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, p. 368, fig. 1; another, in the collection of Paul Toller, was included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 262; and a third, was sold in these rooms, 20th November 1984, lot 540.

The ram is symbolic of peace, prosperity and filial piety, as it is said to kneel with reverence when drinking its mother’s milk. Figures of rams or sheep were also used as auspicious emblems.