A FINELY CARVED AND RETICULATED RUSSET JADE 'DEER AND LINGZHI' FINIAL SONG DYNASTY

well rendered as two deer standing before dense foliage and two lingzhi blooms, the base pierced with apertures, the variegated russet stone skilfully worked to depict dark brown vegetation

Please note the colour of the jade has been wrongly captured in the catalogue photo. It is in reality beige-brown and caramel brown. Pierced for suspension. Small chips and losses, including a leg of a horse. Other surface wear
"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 carving is notable for the skilful incorporation of the natural russet skin of the stone into the overall composition. A similarly carved deer finial, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, was included in the Museum’s exhibition Age of the Great Khan. Pluralism in Chinese Art and Culture and Under the Mongols, Taipei, 2001, cat. no. IV-10; and two further examples carved with numerous deer, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, are illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 5, Tang, Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties, Beijing, 2011, pls. 251 and 252.