AN EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE AND RARE INSCRIBED JADE FIGURE OF A BUFFALO SONG DYNASTY, THE INSCRIPTION DATED TO THE BINGYIN YEAR OF THE QIANLONG PERIOD (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 1746) |

miniminally worked to conform to the natural contours of the impressively substantial boulder, depicting a recumbent buffalo with its head turned to its left to face backwards and a tail tucked under its hind leg, the beast marked with subtle rounded outlines forming the muscular body and further rendered with a pair of small furled ears and long curved horns, the underside of the boulder incised and filled in with gilt with a fourteen-character inscription translating as 'The spirit of Chou (buffalo) provides the foundation for food, brings joy to tens of thousands of people, and forms the basis of the harvest year by year', dated to the bingyin year of the Qianlong reign (in accordance with 1746) and followed by two seal marks reading Qianlong chenhan (‘the Qianlong Emperor’s literary and artistic work’) and Xintian Zhuren ('ruler who believes in Heaven'), the variegated yellowish-celadon stone extensively mottled with reddish-brown and black patches 

The buffalo has an old shallow flake beside its front hoof, and another smaller one below its horn, both visible in the catalogue illustration. There is a drilled hole to the base, probably done in 18th century by the court in order to affix the piece to a stand. There are some minor natural flaws to the stone, as expected from a large river boulder of this age.
"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."