A WHITE JADE 'BADGER' CARVING MING DYNASTY

finely carved as a recumbent badger with its head turned to the right resting on its front paws, with its cub lying curled up alongside its right haunch, the facial features, floppy pointed ears, paws, and subtle hair markings very well defined, the smoothly polished stone of an even white tone with small russet inclusions    

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 107.
Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 159.

The overall condition is very good. The stone has a few minor veins.
"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 subject of a badger and cub was popular in Chinese jade carving and the present piece is notable for the exquisitely gentle modelling of the recumbent figures. The beautifully observed and simplicity involved in this carving and the naturalistic rendering of badgers and their playful poses are reminiscent of Northern Song paintings of animals at play. A closely related example was sold in these rooms, 15^th November 1983, lot 355; and a slightly later carving was sold in these rooms, 24^th May 1984, lot 493.

The pun of 'double badgers' and 'happy couple' in Chinese are pronounced in the same way. Thus, they are often depicted reclining as a pair with their paws touching each other, and symbolise a couple rejoicing or enjoying connubial bliss.