A WHITE JADE CYLINDRICAL ORNAMENT LATE SPRING AND AUTUMN PERIOD

of circular tapering form with a hole at one end, incised with three bands of whorls around the sides, the stone of a greyish-white tone with russet splashes and some opaque inclusions

The overall condition is very good. There are natural white flaws 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."

See three examples of closely related form, but with varying c-scroll decoration, in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1994, pls 17:17-17:19, where she mentions that c-shaped scrolls are derived from the earlier tiger and dragon heads. Compare also an ornament of similar form but with different incised motif, published in Han Baoquan, Jade Wares, Xi'an, 1992, pl. 42 (left).