清十八世紀 摩羯玉璧

the archaistic horned and bearded mythical beast coiled to a rounded disc shape and carved with a ribbed spine outlining its arched body, with markings extending from the spine in even intervals partially concealed under fan-shaped dorsal fins, the opaque stone of pale celadon and brown, with patches of darker brown skin on one side and suffused with russet-brown veins, zitan stand

The disc is in overall good condition except for occasional expected superficial nicks to the extremities as well as some small areas of pitting and surface wear. The makara's third fin may have been slightly polished down to conceal a natural inclusion. The catalogue illustration is of a warmer tone than the actual colour of the stone.
"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."

Skilfully fashioned to follow the form of the round pebble and avoid unnecessary wastage of the jade stone, this piece is unusual in its combination of an archaic form, with elements characteristic of Ming dynasty (1368-1633) carved jade, such as the exaggerated features, choice of mottled stone and subject matter. Small jade ornaments in the form of coiled dragons are known from as early as the Neolithic period and gained popularity particularly during the Shang dynasty, as evidenced by the numerous examples excavated at the tomb of the royal consort Fu Hao in Yinxu, Hebei, illustrated in The Jades from Yinxu, Beijing, 1981, pls. 1-4. The Qing carvers adopted this form to depict the popular subject of the fish transforming into a dragon while leaping though the rapids of the Dragon Gate, a metaphor to passing the Civil Service examinations.

Compare a jade dragon disc in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, fig. 91a, together with a smaller white jade example, pl. 25:36; another small white jade pendant sold at Christie’s New York, 23rd March 2012, lot 1854; a third attributed to the Song dynasty (960-1279), published in H. D’Ardenne de Tizac, Les Animaux dans l’Art Chinois, Paris, 1922, pl. XL; and a further disk attributed to the 17th century, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27th May 2009, lot 1988.