Grand rince-pinceaux en jade céladon Chine, Dynastie Qing, XIXE siècle

à décor d'un crabe tenant entre ses pinces une pousse de grain au centre d'une grande feuille de lotus en fleur, les tiges nouées par un ruban ; socle en bois sculpté  

Lü Xiaguang (1906-1994)

A tiny chip 2 mm to the tip end of one leaf of the lotus bud on one side, another 5 x 1 mm tot he edge of the leaf next to it, a few nicks along the edges of the leaves beneath and to the tip-end of the stems, some natural white inclusions in the stone but generally the brush washer is in good condition. Please note that the brush washer is pale celadon, not greyish beige as the illustration would suggest in the catalogue. The original carved wood stand is in good condition with the exception of a small chip to the tip-end of one leaf, another shallow chip to the edge of another, a flake to one leaf toward the centre and some minor usage wear to the edges of others.
"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 combination of a crab and a stalk of grain, suisui hexie, is a pun for an harmonious marriage. This piece was intended for a wedding gift.