A RARE ARCHAIC JADE 'RHINOCEROS' PLAQUE EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY |

worked in the form of a crouching rhinoceros with an undulating silhouette outlined with defined edges, the head of the beast depicted with a long curling horn tapering to an upturned tip, and portrayed diving far down, further rendered with a prominent and broad snout ending in an arc-shaped tip, one side of the body detailed in subtle relief with haunches, the flat reverse with incised lines, the edge incised with three undeciphered characters, the pale stone of an even celadon colour with patches of calcification

The tail of the animal has been trimmed, as visible from the catalogue image. There are a shallow chip to the tip of the horn and some minute nibbling along the extremities.
"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."