A CELADON JADE 'THREE RAMS' CARVING QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

deftly carved, the larger ram with its head turned to the side and its hoofed legs tucked under its body, one smaller ram playfully clambering up its side, and the other young ram nestled behind the adult, the smooth stone of a celadon color with brown inclusions, wood stand (2)

Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York (according to label).
Collection of Robert von Hirsch, prior to 1977, thence by descent.

The jade group is in overall good condition. There is a tiny chip to the hoof of the large ram and a nick under the tail of the young ram clambering up the larger ram.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The 'Three Rams' (sanyang) design is commonly found represented in Chinese art, particularly in Jade. The ram is a traditional emblem of good luck, since the Chinese term for ram (or goat), yang, is a homophone of yang, ‘sun’, and represents the male or positive principle in the yin-yang duality. The Chinese character for ram is also used as a variant for a similar character pronounced xiang, which means happiness. Three rams, san yang, are considered a particularly auspicious symbol, evoking the expression sanyang kaitai, the awakening of nature in spring, which signifies good luck and happiness.