A FINE WHITE JADE CARVING OF A BOY WITH A DRUM QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the pure evenly white translucent stone carved in the form of a cherubic boy holding a drumstick in his right hand banging a large round drum, his left hand resting atop the drum holding a ruyi sprig tied with a tassel, the reverse with a small dog at the boy's foot

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 37.

Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 179.

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 192.

The overall condition is very good. The stone is evenly white throughout without any inclusions or 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."

Masterfully executed in the round from a flawless stone, the present piece is an excellent example of the high-level of workmanship attained during the Qianlong period. Further carvings of boys with drums include one depicting a boy climbing a drum, sold in these rooms, 21^st May 1987, lot 699; and another of a boy leaning on a drum, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 19^th January 1988, lot 585.

The drum is traditionally a symbol of vigour and the popular subject of boys at play represents the wish for many noble sons.