A LARGE WHITE JADE DEER GROUP QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved, the adult recumbent with legs tucked beneath its body, the head turned over its back and grasping a large leafy lingzhi spray in its mouth, the fawn also recumbent and lying in reverse to the side, holding a similar smaller lingzhi spray in its mouth, the well polished stone of very pale celadon-white tone with russet inclusions, carved zitan stand  

The carving is in very good condition with the exception of some minute nicks to the edges of the lingzhi branches. It should be noted that the stone is of a slightly more pale celadon-white tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

It is rare to find carvings of deer groups of this fine and naturalistic quality. The material is brilliantly utilised to highlight the curvacious body of the animal. The lingzhi fungus is also expertly designed and spaced making the best use of the jade. The deer is a symbol of longevity and according to Chinese mythology is the only animal capable of finding the fungus of immortality (lingzhi). In Daoism, the deer accompanies Shoulao, the God of Longevity, and Magu, the Goddess of Longevity. Two deer depicted together with the lingzhi fungus is doubly auspicious and represents the wish for blessings and emolument.

The present carving is comparable with a group carving, attributed to the Qianlong period, in the Tianjin City Art Museum, illustrated in Tianjin Shi Yishu Bowuguan cang yu, Hong Kong, 1993, pl. 214. See also a group of two deer, from the Bulgari collection, offered in our New York rooms, 21/22nd September 2005, lot 343.