- 3064
A White Jade 'Elephant and Boys' Group Carving Qing Dynasty, 18th Century
Estimate
600,000 - 800,000 HKD
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Description
- jade
of compressed form, carved as an elephant standing foursquare, its furled ears, curved tusks and wrinkled skin meticulously detailed, caparisoned with a long tasselled saddle rug woven on each side with two outstretched bats hovering above lingzhi-shaped cloud swirls, steep rocks and tempestuous waves, set with two small boys kneeling atop the elephant supporting a hollow baluster treasure vase (bao ping)
Condition
The overall condition is quite good. The ribbons of the figures may have been slightly chipped. The colour of the stone is very similar to that of 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Elephants (xiang) were a popular motif in the Qing court for their auspicious associations with peace, prosperity and good fortune. The motif of children carrying a vase on the back of an elephant evokes the rebus tai ping jing xiang ('peace on the land' or 'peace and prosperous future').
A closely related example, included in the exhibition A Romance with Jade. From the De An Tang Collection, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, cat. no. 87, was sold in our London rooms, 5th December 1995, lot 101. A larger version is illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji [Complete collection of Chinese jades], vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl. 270; and another, but carved with one boy instead of two, was included in the 85th Anniversary Exhibition of Chinese Jades from Tang to Qing, S. Marchant & Son, London, cat. no. 82.
A closely related example, included in the exhibition A Romance with Jade. From the De An Tang Collection, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, cat. no. 87, was sold in our London rooms, 5th December 1995, lot 101. A larger version is illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji [Complete collection of Chinese jades], vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl. 270; and another, but carved with one boy instead of two, was included in the 85th Anniversary Exhibition of Chinese Jades from Tang to Qing, S. Marchant & Son, London, cat. no. 82.