宋 灰玉雕臥羊擺件

naturalistically carved in repose, the animal's head with features neatly incised, arched backward and resting on its back, a grooved tail curled along a back haunch, its legs neatly tucked under the body, the stone ranging in tone to a dark brown

There is a small chip to the back and expected wear to the surface.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jade figural carvings from the Song dynasty are rare. A related, slightly smaller example of similar pose is illustrated in Chung Wah-Pui, Carol Michaelson and Jenny So, Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 92, p. 118. The authors comment that "the unusually fat tail suggest strongly to a Song dating" (p. 118) a feature shared with the present lot. For another example, dated perhaps Song, see Jessica Rawson and John Ayers, Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, Catalogue, 1975, no. 259.  Another related figure now in the National Palace Museum was exhibited and illustrated in Dynastic Renaissance, Art and Culture of the Southern Song, Taipei, 2010, no, 154, p. 155.