A LIMESTONE 'RUYI CLOUD' SCHOLAR'S ROCK

the velvety-black stone of irregular form with subtle veining and a pronounced overhang, the outline resembling a ruyi-shaped cloud of mist rising from behind a mountain, with an inscription taken from Northern Zhou dynasty writer Yu Xin reading feng sheng shi dong, yun chu shan gen (winds give birth to stone grottoes, clouds arise from the foot of mountains), dated jiaping month of the Qianlong jiazi year (corresponding to the twelfth month of 1744), carved at Wangu Zhai, with a partial signature reading de, wood stand (2)

There is a break to the top left corner of the scholar's rock, where it has been broken off and reattached, then filled. There is also a crack to the interior of the top right protrusion and to the stem, both with associated fill.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.