清乾隆 青玉淺浮雕「五蝠圖」卵石佩

finely carved in low relief following the form and natural veining of the pebble, detailed with five bats hovering amidst swirling clouds around a rising sun, the greyish-green translucent stone with patches of brown skin and a smooth polish, the wood base carved with swirled clouds

The overall condition is good.
"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 five bats represent the five blessing of longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. The sun depicted rising from swirling clouds evokes the wish for a successful official career, making the overall design an exhortation to success in both private and work life. Although both design elements are immediately recognizable and are well known from Qing period carvings, it is rare to find a composition with this design combination.

Small carvings of this type, that kept the natural form of the pebble, served a dual function. They made excellent paperweights but at the same time were also beautiful objects to enjoy on the scholar's desk and were considered a work of art in their own right.

Compare also an oval form pebble fashioned as a bat group consisting of one large and two small bats resting amidst lingzhi fungus, sold at Christie's New York, 2nd December 1989, lot 212; and a white jade pebble carving of the wufu (five blessings) motif sold in our London rooms, 16th November 1976, lot 1.