A PALE GREEN AND RUSSET JADE 'PARROT AND PEACH' LIBATION CUP YUAN/MING DYNASTY

exceptionally well worked in the form of a hollowed half peach with an intricately carved arrangement of entwined leaves, tendrils and flowering stems forming the handle, with a large parrot purchased atop beside two small fruiting peaches, the pale green and russet stone with a high polish  

A French Private Collection.

In excellent general condition. The highly polished stone with extensive russet skin and natural stone inclusions which have generally been carefully incorporated into the design. Several very small chips to the high relief carving and openwork including but not limited to: to one tip of the parrot's wing and a few of the leafy tendrils. The stone of a greener, less yellowish tone than as seen in the catalogue image.
"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."

Exquisitely carved with rhythmically curling leaves surmounted by a delicately rendered parrot, this cup is a charming example of a utilitarian object that has been inspired by nature to adorn the studio of a scholar. The carver has skillfully incorporated the russet skin and inclusions to highlight elements of the design, and the sensitively rendered parrot and leaves are testament to his expertise in the medium. The intricacy of the decorative elements provides a pleasing contrast to the smoothly finished surface of the cup. Compare a closely related cup included in the exhibition Jingtian gewu. Zhongguo lidai yuqi daodu, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2011, cat. no. 7-2-2; another exhibited in The Grandeur of Chinese Art Treasures: Min Chiu Society Golden Jubilee Exhibition, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 2010, cat. no. 205; and a third cup published in Sydney L. Moss, Emperor. Scholar. Artisan. Monk. The Creative Personality in Chinese Works of Art, Hong Kong, 1984, pl. 94.