A PAIR OF WHITE JADE 'QUAIL' BOXES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

of mirror image, each depicted recumbent with legs tucked underneath its plump body, the head turned gently to one side, with round eyes and a short beak, the plumage finely worked in detail

Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York, 2003.

Overall very good condition except for a small shallow bruise to the back of the left quail cover. The stone has some original veining and natural inclusions, especially to the left box.
"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 present pair of quail boxes follows a type first developed sometime early in the Qianlong period which is represented in a number of collections. Compare a similar pair of quail boxes in the Seattle Art Museum also with their heads turned but carved from a slightly yellowish stone and dated to the Qianlong period, illustrated in James Watt, Chinese Jades from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, 1989, cat. no. 73; see also a pair of boxes formerly in the collection of T.Y. Chao, sold in these rooms, 19th November 1986, lot 144, and a matching box in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji [Complete collection of Chinese jades], Shijiazhuang, 2005, vol. 6, p. 69, no. 106. See also a pair of smaller white jade ‘quail’ boxes and covers, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 333.