Groupe d'un bélier et ses deux petits en jade céladon et rouille Chine, dynastie Qing, XIXE siècle

finement sculpté, la tête relevée, les pattes repliées, un petit sur son dos l'autre à ses côtés, tous deux regardant dans sa direction, le museau et les cornes du bélier d'une jolie couleur rouille et quelques incrustations de rouille sur le reste du corps 

Very good overall condition.
"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 subject of three rams was popular from the Ming dynasty ; however this carving is notable for its large size and sensitive rendering of the animals that are finely modelled in the round. The clever use of the russet inclusions adds a sense of strength to the large ram and is evidence of the carver's skill in utilising as much of the jade pebble as possible. A slightly larger group of three rams carved from a white jade stone, in the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 88 ; and another from the Alan and Simone Hartman collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28^th November 2006, lot 1418.

Smaller carvings of this charming subject include one sold in our London rooms, 5^th December 1995, lot 104; and two sold in our New York rooms, 19^th March 1997, lot 92, and the other, 24^th March 1998, lot 341.

The ram symbolises filial piety, kindness and patience. When shown in groups of three, this represents the wish for a change of fortune in the New Year.