A WHITE 'BOY AND LOTUS' JADE YUAN DYNASTY

carved in the round with a cherubic boy holding in his right hand a plantain frond bent behind his head and a lotus root in his left hand, dressed in a long tunic tied in the back and worn over trousers, the stone with russet veining and patches

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 166.

The overall condition is very good. The stone has some light chalky inclusions and some russet patches and veining.
"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 related carving, excavated from the Xilin Pagoda, Songjiang province, is published in Jade Wares of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing Unearthed from Shanghai, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 20.  Compare slightly earlier carvings of this subject, such as two included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, The University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. nos. 10 and 14; and a slightly later example sold in these rooms, 5^th November 1996, lot 1081.

A boy carrying a lotus represents the wish for the continuous birth of distinguished sons.