A MAGNIFICENT JADEITE BIRD-SHAPED VESSEL AND COVER LATE QING DYNASTY

of exceptionally large size, the well-hollowed body carved in relief with parallel columns of overlapping feathers, divided by notched flanges running down the breast and backbone, the folded wings carved and incised in archaistic style with scrolls and whorls, supported on the downcurved tail similarly carved with scrollwork and on the two massively carved and naturalistic legs with gnarled toes in a 'pigeon-toed' stance, the cover of the vessel forming the head of the bird, with similar plumage and flanges and with large forward-looking eyes and a short downcurved beak, reminiscent of an owl, the translucent stone of pale color with numerous brighter green inclusions (2)

Owen Roberts Estate, 1955.
Collection of Earl Morse.
Sotheby's New York, 24th March 1998, lot 368.

This is in good condition. There is a tiny chip on the carving of the tail/plume which is less than 1/8 inch and barely noticeable. The body has a natural russet fissure running along the jade, which is visible on the p. 174 catalogue illustration. The green is slightly less dark than the print catalogue image suggests.
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.

Owl-shaped vessels of this kind are representative of the finest quality early 20th century jade carving. The large raw stone required to make a piece of this scale was only available from Burma in the late 19th century. The shape of the bird follows the Shang dynasty zun prototype and is remarkable for its faithful rendering of the archaistic bronze. It can be compared to a  very similar green and lavender owl vessel and cover from the collection of Lady McCorquodale sold at Christie's London, 21st October 1974, lot 89, and also to a pair in the Avery Bundage collection in the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, illustrated by Knight, Lee, and Batholomew, Later Chinese Jades, San Francisco, 2007, pl. 189.