A WHITE JADE ‘DOUBLE CATS AND BUTTERFLY’ GROUP QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

finely rendered in the form of a recumbent cat and kitten arranged head to tail, each detailed with striated fur and a bushy tail, the animals' heads interrupted by a butterfly, the pebble of an even white colour with attractive russet skin to the back of the larger cat

The group is in overall good condition.
"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."

Small jade pebbles carved with the auspicious design of birds and butterflies were popular during the Qing dynasty; a similar carving was sold in these rooms, 27th October 1993, lot 458; two were sold in our New York rooms, 3rd June 1992, lot 29, and 31st March/1st April 2005, lot 80; another from the collection of the Tsui Museum of Art, was sold at Christie’s New York, 16th September 2011, lot 142; and a further example from the collection of Gerald Godfrey, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30th October 1995, lot 831. See also a group of three cats and a butterfly, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving. Figures, Animals, Ornaments, University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 120; and another offered in this sale, lot 5.