A JADE CARVING OF DOUBLE-CARP MING DYNASTY

skilfully hollowed out and carved in the form of two leaping carp, the smaller beast attached to larger one's body, the beasts with gaping mouths, their fins and scales finely picked out, the stone of a translucent grey tone with warm russet splashes 

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 99.

The carving is in very good condition. There are some natural veins, black speckling and tiny areas of calcification in the stone.
"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."

Depicted with a vigorous yet flowing sense of movement, the present piece is notable for the fine and consistent level of detail, seen in the finely rendered scales, fins and tails. The carver has skilfully incorporated the natural russet inclusions of the stone to add a naturalistic depth and texture to the fish. See a pair of similarly rendered interlocking carps, in the Avery Brundage collection, illustrated in Therese Bartholomew, Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006, p. 44, fig. 2.9.2; and an earlier related figure of a fish, attributed to the Song or Yuan periods, included in the exhibition Carved Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1996, cat. no. 122.

Because of its great reproductive power, the fish is a symbol for marriage and many children and can also stand for abundance. As fish are reputed to swim in pairs, an image of two fish symbolise the joys of union and represent the wish for connubial bliss, fecundity and an abundance of good luck.