A PAIR OF WHITE JADE 'QUAIL' BOXES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG / JIAQING PERIOD

each carved in the form of a quail facing forward with its head turned slightly to one side, the upper half forming the cover and the body forming the box, their plumage naturalistically detailed with finely incised feathers and their feet neatly tucked beneath, the smoothly polished stone of even white colour with light cloud inclusions

There is some expected minor nibbling along the interior rims and occasional minute bruises to the edges including a tiny nick to the tip end one claw, possibly original to the carving. The stone has some natural icy inclusions. The actual colour of the jade is less pink and not as grey, more white compared to 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."

The present pair of quail boxes follows a type first developed sometime early in the Qianlong period which continues into the Jiaqing reign.  Compare a similar pair of boxes formerly from the T.Y. Chao Collection and sold in these rooms 19th November 1986, lot 144, and a matching box in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo Yuqi Quanji, vol. 6, p. 69, no. 106. See also a pair sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 333.