A WHITE JADE BELT PLAQUE JIN DYNASTY (1115-1234)

finely carved and reticulated depicting two birds perched upon leafy curling stems issuing large peony blooms, the stone of a pure greyish-white tone throughout

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 189.

The overall condition is very good. There might be a tiny bit of the openwork carving that may have broken, but it is quite difficult to tell if it was originally part of the design.
"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 present piece is a superb example of the carver's astonishing ability to create a highly ornate and delicate work out of demanding materials such as jade. In a display of technical dexterity, the charmingly rendered birds and finely modelled leaves and flowers create a highly rhythmical and naturalistic piece. Compare an example similarly carved with a deer, crane and turtle amongst trees illustrated in Wang Zhangju, National Treasure Collection of Rare Cultural Relics of China, Xi'an, 1999, p. 176; and another with water plants and a goose in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Brian Morgan, Naturalism and Archaism. Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, London, 1991, p. vii, fig. 4.

Jin period jades are stylistically unique and often focused on capturing the vastness of space of the natural world. Their ingenious compositions had a considerable influence on the 'jade mountain' (yushanzi) of the Ming and Qing dynasties.