A WHITE JADE LIONESS AND CUB YUAN DYNASTY

the cream coloured stone carved with a recumbent lioness lying on her side facing her cub, their cheeks touching

Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 117

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 168.

The overall condition is very good. The stone is quite even with only a small white inclusion on the back of the lion.
"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."

A common subject from the Tang dynasty, the mother and child motif grew to popularity during the Yuan and Ming periods. Compare a related carving in the Kirknorton collection, illustrated in Brian Morgan, Naturalism and Archaism. Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, London, 1995, pl. 5; another sold in our London rooms, 7^th March 1978, lot 244; and a third larger example sold in our London rooms, 1^st November 1974, lot 355.