A CELADON JADE CARVING OF A MYTHICAL BEAST MING DYNASTY

the mythical beast finely carved in the round, its broad body resting on its haunches accented with sharp talons, the facial features defined with bulging eyes, flaring eyebrows and nostrils above a curled beard and below small flattened ears and two horns at the forehead, with a long bushy tail curling up on its backside, the celadon stone mottled with taupe inclusions

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 113.
Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 143.

There is a minute 2mm chip to the right front paw and a minor nick to the tip of his beard. But 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."

In a superb display of craftsmanship the archaistic quality and three-dimensionality of the present creature is accentuated by the natural inclusions that run across the finely modelled face and body. Carved with a flat muzzle and in the original shape of the pebble, which are characteristic of the Ming period, the archaistic angles of the legs and eyebrows coupled with the brilliantly detailed paws endow it with an endearing quality.  See an example of this type sold in our New York rooms, 4^th December 1985, lot 13; and two sold at Christie's New York, 2^nd June 1989, lot 291, and 1^st December 1988, lot 86.