A JADE CARVING OF A BEAR HAN DYNASTY

finely carved as a recumbent bear, the creature crouching with an alert expression, its pointed face, small pricked ears, slightly upturned mouth and short bushy tail all finely detailed, the smoothly polished stone of a warm honey-brown tone mottled with wheaten inclusions

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 62.

There is a natural vein running between the two front paws and the stone has a patch on the shoulder with light minor flaws. The polish and the patina 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."

Han dynasty carvings of animal figures illustrate the aesthetic and technical revolution that took place shortly after the fall of the Zhou dynasty. Animals were often studied from life and carvings became endowed with individualized facial features and naturalistic physical likeness. The present figure of a bear is expertly carved with an alert facial expression as if the animal was caught in surprise. The underside of this figure reveals the particular care taken to depict the paws and pads of the animal. In its workmanship and choice of material this figure is an outstanding example of Han sculpture.   

Related jade bear carvings of the Han period exist in varying poses and styles, for example see one in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 41; two in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, p. 350 and pl. 26:3; and another in the Palace Museum, Beijing, included in Zhongguo meishu quanji, vol. 9, Bejing, 1991, pl.185. See also an example sold at Christie's New York, 19^th September 1996, lot 205; and another, but attributed to the Six Dynasties (AD 220-589), sold in our New York rooms, 3^rd June 1993, lot 36.