Rare dragon en jade céladon pâle et rouille Dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong

sculpté en forme de dragon parmi des nuages stylisés, serrant une perle dans sa patte droite devant lui, le corps sinueux entièrement recouvert d'écailles surmonté d'une crête dorsale en dents de scie, sa tête menaçante aux yeux exorbités en croissant de lune, la gueule ouverte dévoilant ses crocs pointus sous de longues moustaches bouclées, socle en bois (2) 

Collection of Claude Burrard Reboul (1825-1886).
By descent to Colonel Jacques-Frederic Reboul (1863-1937). 
Thence in the family by descent.

The dragon is in overall good original condition with the exception of one claw of his left hand paw and one of the teeth in his upper left jaw that are broken off and missing. There are very minor fritts to some of the edges of the raised and pointed parts of the design. The stone is slightly matte and not polished, the tone of a pale celadon colour with some areas of calcification and an area of darker browninsh tone to the left front leg. The back bears larger areas of russet (visible in the catalogue illustration). The carving is strong and dynamic, the wood base with minor bits missing.
"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."