A LARGE AND RARE SPINACH JADE 'THREE STAR GODS' TABLE SCREEN QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of circular form, boldly worked in varying levels of relief with a wondrous mountain landscape, the reverse enamelled in finely incised gold lacquer with a lakeside landscape, the smoothly polished stone of deep emerald-green colour mottled with darker specks and a few paler streaks, elaborate carved wood stand 

There are tiny frits to the edges of the screen and extremities of the design. On the reverse there is minor rubbing to the gilding on the landscape painting. Otherwise good condition. The colour of the stone is a darker green than shown 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."

It is rare to find a screen of this strong, evocative carving with gilt-painted decoration on the reverse, but a comparable example sold in our New York rooms, 25th September 1986, lot 202.

The three figures on the present example are likely to represent the Three Star Gods (fulushou sanxing); fu symbolising the god of happiness, lu the god of emolument, and shou the god of longevity.