Cervidé en jade céladon pâle Dynastie Qing, XVIIIE siècle

couché, les pattes repliées sous le corps, la tête tournée vers l'arrière, tenant dans sa gueule une tige feuillagée chargée de deux pêches posées sur son dos et accostées d'une chauve-souris en vol, la tête surmontée d'un double lingzhi, le pelage incisé de petites étoiles, socle en bois inscrusté d'argent (2)

There are very small fritts to the raised parts of the carved design, particularly the leaves of the peach branch. There are some natural flaws to the stone that have been included in the design. The stone is of pale celadon colour with an area of grey and brown.
"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."

To the Chinese, the deer is a much beloved creature, associated with immortals and good fortune. In ancient China deer were regarded as ‘immortal creatures’, believed to have a lifespan of five thousand years. They were believed to inhabit the abodes of immortals and gods. They served as mounts for the god of longevity, Shoulao, and were companions of Magu, the goddess of immortality, often serving as her draught animal. It was also believed that deer could detect the mushroom of immortality lingzhi. These associations further added to deer being firmly linked to immortality. 

The word for deer in Chinese, lu, is also a homophone for the word for emoluments, the salary an official received. As such the deer also came to represent official position and wealth, paintings of deer were gifted and displayed during celebrations expressing the wish to attain a high position, wealth and honour. The use of deer antlers to prolong life was recorded in the Chinese medicinal classic, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, written over 2000 years ago, and complied during the Qin and Han dynasties. Deer antlers are believed to nourish the yin forces in the body, aid kidney function, invigorate the spleen, strengthen bones and muscles and promote blood flow.  It is no wonder then that the deer was chosen by the ancient Chinese as a symbol of longevity.