A YELLOW AND RUSSET JADE FIGURE OF A MYTHICAL BEAST MING DYNASTY

depicted recumbent with the head turned to its left and resting on its front paws, the mythical beast portrayed with bulging eyes and an angular snout, its back rendered with a prominent spinal column terminating in a thick, bushy tail swept against its haunches, the pebble of a warm yellow colour attractively highlighted with extensive russet patches 

The figure is in overall good condition. There are minute nicks to the edges of the figure, including the right ear and the elbow of one foreleg, the largest a shallow chip measuring approx. 1 cm to the tip of the beast's snout.
"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 animated animal has been carved to maximise the use of the stone by being modelled according to the shape of the pebble. The carver has also skilfully created a sense of playfulness by combining carefully incised details, such as the combed tail, with caricature-like archaistic features. A similar carving is illustrated in Brian Morgan, Naturalism and Archaism. Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, London, 1995, pl. 50; and another from the Hei-Chi collection was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 2001.