A WHITE JADE PENDANT PLAQUE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the rectangular plaque finely carved in shallow relief with Lady Xiao Xiang seated by her window holding a sprig of lotus, dressed in long flowing robes, her facial features delicately picked out and her hair elegantly tied in a high chignon, the bamboo blinds tightly rolled and defined with fine incisions, the reverse with a four character inscription written in zhuanshu, the stone of a pure white tone throughout 

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 202b.

The plaque is in excellent condition. The colour of the white stone is particularly pure and even.
"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."

Skilfully carved on a flawless stone, the graceful femininity of Lady Xiao Xiang is captured through the delicate lines of her enlongated figure and the fine detailing of her hair, which is repeated on the rolled blinds above her. The inscription on the reverse discloses the identity of the lady, and reads Xiao Xiang nuzi (Lady Xiao Xiang). Compare a related example, with inscription on one side and a lady sitting on a terrace holding a flower spray, offered in our London rooms, 21^st July 1980, lot 8.

It is more common to find pendants with carvings of women seated outdoors, as indicated by swirling clouds; for example see one included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 208; and another sold in these rooms, 6^th December 1978, lot 1163.