A RARE WHITE JADE 'WANG XIZHI' BRUSH REST SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

horizontally oriented and worked in the form of the bearded scholar, Wang Xizhi, reclining before a goose against ornamental rockwork, the figure depicted in a relaxed manner with the right hand holding a fan and resting on the propped-up right knee, the underside incised with a four-character seal mark, the stone of an even white colour with icy and faint russet inclusions

A French private collection.

The brushrest is in overall good condition. There are typical bruises and small nicks to the edges, including the hat and left foot, the largest measuring 0.5 by 0.3 cm to the rock.
"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."

Delicately carved from a milky white stone, the present piece is a fine example of small, symbolic jade carvings made as sculptures, curios or paperweights to adorn scholars’ studios. It depicts Wang Xizhi (303-361 AD), one of China’s most celebrated calligraphers and a favourite of the Qianlong Emperor. Qianlong placed Wang’s Kuai xue shi qing tie (Sudden Clearing after a Lively Snowfall) alongside two further great masterpieces of calligraphy, Zhongqiu tie (Mid-Autumn), by his son Wang Xianzhi (344-386) and Boyuan tie (Letter to Boyuan), by his nephew Wang Xun (350-410), in the Sanxitang (Hall of Three Rarities), which was named after the works.  This charming carving is notable for the gentle expression of Wang’s face and his relaxed pose which is accentuated by the goose at his side. Wang’s fondness for geese is reflected in the famous story where he copied the Daoist classic Daodejing for a priest in exchange for a white goose. Wang is also known to have acquired inspiration from natural forms, including the graceful necks of geese. Thus, this carving would have been a rich source of reflection and enjoyment to its owner through its symbolic association of the goose with Wang, coupled with the contentment embodied by the figure.

A brushrest similarly carved in the round with a scholar reclining against rockwork was sold in our New York rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 3; a figure of a seated scholar holding a ruyi sceptre was sold in our London rooms, 11th June 1996, lot 199; and carving of a scholar leaning on a pile of books was included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 176.