Rare mante religieuse en jade blanc Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

l'insecte admirablement sculpté de façon naturaliste dans la pierre blanche enroulée autour d'une fleur dont l'inclusion rouille rehausse les pétales

Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1960s.

The Animal in Chinese Art, The Arts Council of Great Britain and the Oriental Ceramics Society at the Arts Council Gallery, London, 19th June to 19th July 1968, no. 537.
Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, The Arts Council of Great Britain and the Oriental Ceramic Society at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1st May to 22nd June 1975, no. 468.

The Arts Council of Great Britain and the Oriental Ceramics Society, The Animal in Chinese Art, London, 1968, cat. no. 537.
John Ayers and Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, London, 1975, cat. no. 468.

The jade mantis is in good overall condition with a very tiny nick to the end of the tail. The color is consistent with 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."

Compare an Imperial white jade carving of a praying mantis, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1819.