A CELADON AND RUSSET JADE RAM SONG DYNASTY

the pebble-shaped stone carved with a recumbent ram with his head turned sharply to his left towards his broad heart-shaped tail, the legs and hoof well-carved in high-relief, the stone of celadon tone with russet patches

Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 139.

Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 92.

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 153.

The overall condition is very good. The stone has a lighter russet patch on the tail.
"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 finely carved and polished figure is an excellent example of the Song carver's ability to observe and sensitively render the innate nature of their subject. For examples of ram figures lying recumbent with their heads turned inward, see one sold in these rooms, 20^th November 1984, lot 540; another, from the Katchen collection, sold in our London rooms, 14^th December 1971, lot 46; and a third example from the Shuisongshi Shanfang Collection, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, The University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 81.

The ram is symbolic of peace, prosperity and filial piety. Figures of rams have had a long history, appearing in the Han and Tang periods as lamps and in ceramic as tomb figures.