A JADE 'MYTHICAL BEAST' PAPERWEIGHT YUAN / MING DYNASTY

the substantial pebble boldly carved in the form of a recumbent mythical beast with its upper body turned towards its hindquarters, its protruding eyes, furled ears and curved horn naturalistically depicted, its mane detailed with fine incisions, the stone of a pale green colour mottled with attractive dark-brown streaks

The overall condition is very good with only some original veins in the stone.
"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."

This animated carving has been carefully carved to maximise the full shape of the pebble by being modelled according to its shape. The carver has skilfully created a sense of playfulness by combining naturalistic elements, such as the carefully combed mane and curve of the spine, with caricature-like archaistic features. Small jade carvings of this type were often found on scholar’s desks, where they served both as paperweights and as works of art in their own right.

A slightly smaller jade carving of a mythical beast was included in the exhibition, Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 147; another, carved with a knobbly spine, from the Hei-chi collection, was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 2001.