十七世紀 白玉臥熊

the white jade stone with some dark, russet-brown skin, carved in the form of a seated bear, the jaws open revealing sharp fangs, its rear slumped over to rest on its left hind-leg while it scratches its ear with its right hind-leg, the skin colour confined mostly to the head and face, to the ears and to the finely groomed collaring mane, set on an associated orange soapstone stand carved as a rocky pedestal

The overall condition is very good without visible nicks or bruises. The stone is streaked with some natural veins. The actual colour of the stone is slightly more tinged with celadon than the catalogue illustration.
"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 carving of a seated bear scratching its ear is modelled on much earlier, Han dynasty, bear figures such as the one in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Jessica Rawson and John Ayers, 'Chinese Jade Throughout Ages', Transactions of the Oriental Ceramic Society, 1973-1975, vol. 40, pl. 190. Another Han period jade carving of a recumbent bear, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carvings, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 62, was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2313.

The bear (xiong) in Chinese art represents a wish for male descendants. It is frequently depicted with the eagle (ying); which together form the rebus for 'hero' or yingxiong in Chinese.