A PALE CELADON AND RUSSET FIGURE OF ZHOU TANZI MING DYNASTY

skilfully worked to depict the legend of Zhou Tanzi disguised as a deer, the figure rendered with the pale celadon areas of the stone and portrayed crawling on all fours beneath by a russet deer hide, the latter sensitively incised with striations and whorls

Sotheby's Paris, 14th June 2007, lot 110.

The figure is in overall good condition with just expected minute bruises and nicks to the extremities, including the tip of two fingers.
"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."

The figure of Zhou Tanzi represents filial piety. This comes from the tale of a young boy who tried to obtain milk for his ailing mother by disguising as a deer so that he could pass into the deer herd to gather milk.