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

in the form of a boy standing next to a drum upon an elaborate stand decorated with ruyi-form clouds, the boy dressed in a loose jacket over trousers and shoes, his right arm resting on top of the drum clutching a lingzhi fungus stem, the other hand holding a ruyi-scepter to beat the drum, the stone of very even white tone

The overall condition is very good. The actual colour of the jade is close to the colour in the catalogue illustration. The actual colour is about 20% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"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 carved from a flawless piece of jade, the present piece is a fine example of small, symbolic jade carvings made as sculptures, curios or paper weights. The drum is traditionally a symbol of vigour and the popular subject of boys at play represents the wish for many noble sons and the continuation of the family line. 

A number of related jade examples can be found; see a very similar piece with the drum set on an identical stand but with two boys, from the collection of Edward T. Chow illustrated in One Man's Taste. Treasures from the Lakeside Pavilion, Geneva, 1988, pl. j16, later sold in these rooms 8th October 2009, lot 1664; and another also depicting two boys with a drum included in the exhibition Post-Archaic Chinese Jades, London, 1995, cat. no. 69. Also compare a white-jade carving, from the Hei-Chi Collection included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 179 and later sold in these rooms 8th April 2010 lot 2011; another depicting a boy climbing a drum, sold in these rooms, 21^st May 1987, lot 699; and a third piece worked in a white and russet jade sold at Christie's New York, 20^th September 2005, lot 22.