A WHITE JADE CARVING OF A LOTUS ROOT QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

possibly a brushrest, carved in openwork in the form of a lotus root, the rhizome naturalistically detailed with constricted knotty sections and organic fibrils further wreathed by a furled leaf and attendant seed-pod issuing from curling stems, one cut section revealing the pattern of holes on the interior, the pod supporting a small frog cleverly worked within a brown inclusion, the pale celadon translucent stone accented with apple-green streaks and finished with a lustrous patina

A private American collection.
Sotheby's New York, 18th March 2008, lot 22.

The carving is in very good condition with only a couple of minute nicks to the edge of one flower petal and leaf.
"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."

The lotus rhizome with blossom signifies wishes for happiness and fruitfulness in marriage. For a similar example, compare the piece illustrated in Jade, Ch'ing Dynasty Treasures, Taipei, 1997, no. 38, p. 102.