- 333
A WHITE AND RUSSET JADE CARVING OF A PRAYING MANTIS QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 HKD
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Description
- jade
carved perched on a branch of flowering hibiscus holding a fruit in its front claws, its wings depicted folded along its round body and its head gently turned to the left, the smoothly polished stone of an even white colour with russet speckles skilfully picked out with the insect's wings
Condition
The carving is in overall very good condition. There is some light original nibbling along the edges and occasional surface pitting. The actual colour is somewhat less yellow with warmer tone compare to 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
A white jade carving of a praying mantis from the collection of Prof. Klaus J. Mueller, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibitions The Animal in Chinese Art, The Arts Council Gallery, London, 1968, cat. no. 53, and Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 468, was sold in our Paris rooms, 12th June 2013, lot 113; and another was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1819.
A symbol of bravery, depictions of praying mantises in jade became popular during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1279-1368) dynasties. See for example one attributed to the Song dynasty in the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, illustrated in Angus Forsyth and Brian McElney, Jades from China, Bath, 1994, pl. 240.