REPOSE PINCEAUX OU POIDS CHINE, FIN DE la dynastie MING, XVIIE SIECLE

sculpté de deux dragons au corps puissants et tortueux, émergeant de flots tumultueux et de nuages, pourchassant la perle sacrée entourée de flammes



 

Good condition. The actual colour of the jade is more pale celadon/mottled green and less "mint" green than on the illustration in the catalogue. Some natural russet inclusions around the group and beneath (visible on the photo).
"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."

This fine jade carving of two sinuous dragons chasing a flaming pearl amongst tumultuous waves is a rare example of jade vessels made for the scholar's table. The composition of the design insinuates that the piece may have served as a brush rest, with a brush fitting perfectly in between the heads of the two creatures, or may have doubled as a paper weight. The subject matter is a reference to the carp swimming upstream and transforming into dragons (yulong bianhua), which served as an auspicious message for the scholar to persevere and overcome difficulties in order to achieve success and pass the examinations with distinction. For a comparable example, see a brush rest carved with two dragons amidst clouds, formerly in the Eisenbach-Erie collection, included in the Oriental Ceramics Society of Hong Kong exhibition Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 182, attributed to the Yuan or early Ming dynasties.