A CELADON JADE CARVING OF A LADY QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved in the form of a lady with a cat by her side, the lady dressed in long flowing robes and holding a fan in one hand, the cat looking up towards her and pawing at her dress, with pierced rockwork and a leafy plantain tree rising up behind, the stone of a pale celadon tone throughout

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 36.

There are two small old nicks to the edges of the leaf on the reverse, the larger approx 0.4 by 0.1cm. Otherwise the carving is in very good condition. The stone has a fine and smooth polish, with some natural veins running through it.
"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."

In a remarkable display of expertise in the medium, this piece is outstanding for the extensive depth of carving, attention to detail and variety of textures the carver has successfully achieved. The openings of the rocks have been drilled and polished with a confidence that mirrors their representation in paintings, while the ribbing of the fine projecting leaves provide a surface that complements the roundness of the rocks and figures. See a painting by Gai Qi (1774-1829) of the same subject, illustrated in Jung Ying Tsao, Chinese Paintings of the Middle Qing Dynasty, San Francisco, 1987, p. 219. Compare also a closely related carving, but with a deer instead of a cat, sold in these rooms, 29^th April 1992, lot 648.

The plantain is popular for its fruit, shade and ornamental appearance, and was frequently employed as a decorative motif on ceramics. According to legend, a poor scholar wrote on plantain leaves due to the lack of silk and paper materials, and is thus a symbol of self-education and high status. The name for cat (mao) is homophonous with the word for 'age eighty to ninety' and represents longevity.