A RARE PALE CELADON JADE 'FISH' BRUSHWASHER QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY |

of circular section, with shallow sides rising to a gently everted rim, the interior deftly carved in high relief with two carp swimming vigorously amidst crested waves and waterweed, the exterior carved in low relief with a frieze of lotus blossoms and birds, the stone an even pale celadon with fine white mottling 

Collection of Major Sir Humphrey Brunel Noble of Ardmore, 4th Bt. (1892-1968).
Collection of Sir John Woolf (1913-1999).
Roger Keverne, London, 2003.

The washer is in overall good condition, with only small losses to the flower in the well (as illustrated) and scattered minute nicks. The stone has natural fissures (as illustrated), and the color is slightly whiter than the illustration in the printed catalog.
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.

Although the motif of fish is common in Qing dynasty art, the present bowl is rare for its depiction of a pair of fish submerged beneath waves extending across the entire base of the well. Rather than a calm, placid view of fish in a pond, the artisan presents here a dynamic scene carved in high relief of the two creatures straining against the brisk current.  For slightly earlier, related bowls, with the fish fully visible, see a late Ming example in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, cat. pl. 29:9, and one in the collection of Joseph E. Hotung, illustrated in, Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia Society, New York, 19890, cat. no. 145.