A STUDY COLLECTION OF JADE BI ZHOU DYNASTY AND LATER

comprising nine variously carved jade bi; six with chilong with bifurcated tails, two with geometric C-shaped scrolls and one with a grain pattern of small raised bosses around the central aperture

The oval bi with a chilong and tiger is in general good condition with the exception of a few tiny nibbles and scratches on the bifurcated tails of the animals and various areas of natural flakes on one of the tiger's ear and its anatomy. The stone of yellow green and brown tone. The bi with C-shaped scrolls has a 6mm x 3mm area of loss and retains some original russet skin along the outer edges with associated flakes. The stone of grey and russet tone. The white and brown jade bi shows extensive nibbling around the edges with natural veining across the surface with associated flakes. The bi with raised bosses is in general good condition with the exception of a minor nibbling around the exterior edges as a result of natural properties of the stone. The stone of celadon tone with red-brown inclusions. One 'chilong' bi has an 8mm scratch near the side of the disc and a 3mm x 2mm loss to one of its paws, and minor nibbling in the extremities of the carving. The stone of grey and purple tone. The other 'chilong' bi has recessed areas to the front face of the carving natural to the stone, the design is much obscured due to possible wear and rubbing. The pale celadon stone flecked with honey-brown inclusions. The black and brown 'chilong' bi has two natural veins with associated flakes running from the edge. The reticulated bi with a prominent natural vein with associated flakes from the sides extending vertically across the base of the disc, the piece retains traces of cream skin at the corner of one of the chilongs. The white and purple bi with C-shaped scrolls may have been subjected to cooking, and has natural veining and associated flakes.
"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."