A WHITE JADE PENDANT PLAQUE LATE MING/EARLY QING DYNASTY

the rectangular plaque finely carved with a landscape scene depicting a scholar and boy carving out an inscription on a large craggy rock sprouting sparse pine trees, with cloud swirls rising above, the reverse with a four-column inscription written in lishu, the stone of a pure white tone throughout

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 201b.

The overall condition is very good. The stone has a tinge of yellow on the upper right hand corner.
"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 inscription reads:
The fine rock bears natural beauty
A recluse had a pleasing view
Once inscribed and praised
Old memories are passed to the present

The high-quality stone of the present piece is carved to varying levels of relief to create a remarkable sense of depth in a flat pendant. With the swirling clouds and the inclusion of nature through the tree and human figures, the imagery of this pendant is characteristic of the decorative arts of the Ming and early-Qing transitional period, such as woodblock illustrations, blue-and-white porcelain, and carved works of art. Two further examples of such jade pendants were included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. nos 207-8; and another was sold in our London rooms, 21^st June 1977, lot 304.