A JADE CARVING OF A BOY MING DYNASTY

finely carved as a boy wearing loosely draped robes leaning on a drum with his head resting in his right hand as he looks upwards, the facial features delicately picked out with a serene and content expression, the celadon stone with taupe inclusions and small areas of calcification

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 21.

Apart from a shallow and minor 2mm nick to the underside of the boy around the hem of his shirt, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

With body leaning against a drum and comfortably stretched out, with his head casually propped up on one hand, the present figure captures the bliss of absolute repose. The crescent-shaped eyebrows and skilfully rendered loose clothing reveals the ability of the carver to create a highly-atmospheric piece. Compare a carving of a boy seated resting against a drum that also embodies a sense of ease, included in the exhibition Jades from China, The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, 1994, cat. no. 300; and a slightly later example, with a boy standing behind a drum, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 19^th January 1988, lot 585.