A CELADON JADE 'PHOENIX AND PEACH' GROUP 17TH - 18TH CENTURY |

the stone of slightly flattened oblong form, rising at one end with the upward swell of the phoenix's chest and tapering at the opposite end with the sweep of the curling tail feathers, the long neck extending back, lush plumage cascading down accentuating its length, the head in high relief, resting on the folded wings grasping a fruiting peach branch in its beak, a chilong in low relief on each wing, the legs tucked beneath the body, the stone a pale green color transmuting to a slightly more olive tone at the underside and flecked with white calcification

The Peking Gallery, Toronto, 11th February 1974.

In overall good condition with a minute nick to a tail feather. With a few pale russet veins including one at the edge of a neck feather and wing. The color of the stone is slightly whiter than in the illustration in the printed catalogue.
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.

This 'phoenix and peach' group is exquisitely carved with a strong sense of movement and minute details finely articulated, such as the ridged joints on the bird's legs and toes, elegantly elongated eyelashes, and small spur-shaped ears. Compare a strikingly similar greenish-white and russet jade 'phoenix and peach' group dating to the late Ming to early Qing dynasty sold first in our Hong Kong rooms, 20th May 1981, lot 888, and later as part of the Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Collection at Christie's New York, 19th March 2015, lot 622; and a related Ming dynasty carving of a phoenix grasping bamboo stalks in its beak, sold in these rooms, 22nd April 1974, lot 19.