A YELLOW JADE RAM SONG TO MING DYNASTY

carved in the form of a recumbent ram with his legs tucked beneath his body, turning his head to the right, his curved horns naturalistically detailed with striations, the translucent stone of a greenish-yellow colour mottled with russet inclusions

In overall good condition. There is a break to the rear front leg. The catalogue illustration with a yellowish tone.
"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."

Small jade animal sculptures, generally carved in a reclining position, became popular from the Song Dynasty, and the present piece appears to have been inspired by a Song prototype. Compare, for example, a small jade ram modelled with its head lowered and sharply turned, in the Shuisongshi Shanfang collection, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving. Figures. Animals. Ornaments, The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 81; and another, in the collection of W.P. Chung, included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 139.

See also a naturalistically modelled ram in a similar reclining pose, from the W.N. Chung collection, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, op. cit., cat. no. 100; another, from the Gerald Godfrey collection, sold in these rooms, 19th November 1985, lot 35.