A WHITE JADE CARVING OF LIUHAI 17TH CENTURY

well carved in the form of Liuhai with a rope slung over his head and onto his left shoulder suspending a single coin, wearing loose robes draped over his body, his bald head framed by fringes and with an animated smiling expression, the stone of a celadon tone with tan brown inclusions

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 29.

The overall condition is very good. There are just a few minute - less than 1mm - nicks to the edges.
"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."

The animated facial features of Liuhai, the Daoist god of wealth and prosperity, are delightfully rendered in this spirited carving. The folds of his clothing are expertly modelled and assist in creating a sense of fullness and movement to the figure. According to the story, Liuhai became great friends with a three-legged toad that could only be coaxed out of wells by Liuhai with a gold coin. By the second half of the sixteenth century, the legend of Liuhai and his toad was one of the most common motifs in Daoist art. Images were produced in abundance during the late-Ming and early-Qing periods, which often showed him standing on the toad and playing with gold coins in his hands.

A slightly smaller related example that includes the toad was sold in these rooms, 19^th November 1985, lot 114. For a carving of Liuhai and the toad, see an example in the collection of Victor Shaw, included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 106; two included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, one from the collection of Ip Che, cat. no. 169, and the other from the Ip Yee collection, cat. no. 170; and another sold at Christie's New York, 19^th September 1996, lot 108. See also an example depicting Liu Hai with a youthful attendant, illustrated in Roger Keverne (ed.), Jade, London, 1991, p. 147, fig. 43.