A White Jade 'Mandarin Ducks' Group Carving Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng / Qianlong Period

carved in the form of a pair of confronting mandarin ducks endearingly conjoined at their incurved beaks, each detailed with a finely incised plumage and crest atop the head, a further smaller mandarin duck trailing behind the tail of one of them, the group set with five small ducklings around them and a further duckling resting atop the tail of the duck in the middle, the stone of an even celadon-white tone mottled with a faint light brown patch, wood stand

The overall condition is very good with no apparent nicks. The stone has some natural veinings and inclusions. The actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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."

This charming piece is finely modelled from a long jade pebble, the stone cleverly utilised to depict a group of three ducks and ducklings. Small jade carvings such as the present were created according to the shape of the pebble to ensure minimal wastage of the precious stone. Compare a carving of three ducks, each grasping a lotus branch, sold in our New York rooms, 16th September 2009, lot 238; and another of two ducks sold in our London rooms, 31st October 1986, lot 304. See also a lapis lazuli carving of two mandarin ducks fashioned with similarly conjoined beaks, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, illustrated in Ming Wilson, Chinese Jade, London 2004, pl. 100.

A pair of mandarin ducks is symbolic of fidelity and a happy marriage, and form the rebus ‘May the mandarin ducks grant you a happy marriage and distinguished sons’ (yuanyang guizi).