A WHITE JADE 'GOOSE' PEBBLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the translucent evenly white stone of oval form, carved with a goose with its head turned back towards its wings, clutching a cluster of water grass in its beak, its wings finely rendered with subtle archaistic motifs

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 199.

The overall condition is very good. The color of the stone is very even and bright white with no inclusions.
"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 piece is notable for the intricately carved figure in the form of the pebble to avoid any wastage of the precious stone. For a carving of a goose carrying a lotus reed in it mouth and accompanied by its young, see one included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, The University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 98; and another, but without a lotus, illustrated in Tianjin shi yishu bowiguan cang yu, Hong Kong, 1993, pl. 172.

Compare also a figure of a duck similarly formed in the shape of the pebble and holding a branch of waterweed in its beak, included in the exhibition Jades From China, Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, 1994, cat. no. 304; and another holding a peony branch, in the Victor Shaw collection, included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 86.