A FINE WHITE JADE 'LINGZHI' WASHER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

formed as a well hollowed linghzi head rising from a leafy gnarled stem issuing further small lingzhi heads, the stone of very pale celadon-white tone

This washer is in good condition, but has a very small chip (1mm x 1mm) to one of the scrolls above one lingzhi, whih appears to remain from a larger chip that has been polished down. There is a small 5mm linear flaw and another smaller one adjacent to it to the interior base. The jade is of a slightly paler green colour than in the catalogue illustration.
"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 present piece is notable for the high relief carving of the lingzhi fungus, the three dimensionality of which is accentuated by the deep undercutting especially apparent on the base of the washer. As the lingzhi fungus resembles the ruyi it also represents the meaning of 'as you wish'.

Compare a waterpot in the form of a lingzhi fungus and carved with additional lingzhi carved in relief in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, illustrated in Lund Humphries, Chinese Jades: Archaic and Modern, London, 1977, pl. 203; and another sold in our New York rooms, 2^nd June 1977, lot 219.