A FINELY CARVED YELLOW JADE FIGURE OF A BUFFALO QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |

depicted recumbent with its head turned to the left and resting on its forelegs, naturalistically rendered with alert eyes and flaring nostrils, crowned with a pair of curved striated horns, the body accentuated with a curved spine terminating in a tail sweeping underneath its hind haunch, the stone of an attractive warm yellow colour with light russet markings

Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2nd December 1976, lot 702.
Collection of T.Y. Chao (1912-1999).

Good condition with just insignificant surface wear.
"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."

Finely carved as a recumbent buffalo, the peaceful and tranquil nature of the animal is expertly captured in the soft modelling of its body and pose, while the gently raised nose heightened by natural russet inclusions create a visually amusing detail. A jade buffalo rendered in a similar pose, from the collection of Rena G. Segal, was sold at Christie’s New York, 23rd March 1995, lot 208; a slightly smaller one was sold in our New York rooms, 3rd June 1979, lot 293; and another was sold in our London rooms, 28th October 1977, lot 284. See also one attributed to the 17th century, from the Hatik collection, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2796.