A WHITE JADE CARVING OF A LADY LATE MING/EARLY QING DYNASTY

well carved in the form of a lady dressed in long flowing robes, holding a scroll in one hand, her demure face framed by a high chignon, standing beside a plantain tree growing from pierced rockwork, the stone of an even white tone with small russet splashes

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 30.

The carving is in very good condition. There are some natural veins running through the stone. The catalogue illustration is a little washed out, the carving is actually much crisper.
"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 present piece is notable for the dexterity of the carver, which is highlighted in the combination of fine detailed carving, as seen on the lady's serene expression and elegantly rendered flowing robes, and the boldly modelled openwork of the rocks. Compare a closely related version in the Qing Court collection, and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware III, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 102. See also a painting by Wen Zhengming (1470-1559) of the same subject in the National Palace Museum, Taipei.  This subject dates back to at least the Yuan dynasty, as in his own inscription on the painting Wen records that he created his work on a spring day in 1539 after he had seen a painting on the same theme by Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322).

The plantain was associated with poor scholars since the large leaves were wide enough to write on when silk or paper was scarce. The subject of a lady holding a scroll beside a plantain tree would have been appreciated amongst ladies at court as the plantain tree is a symbol of self-education and high status.