A GILT-BRONZE ‘DEER’ PAPERWEIGHT MING DYNASTY

cast recumbent with legs tucked underneath the body and tail curled alongside its rear haunches, the horned head lifted above its front hooves, grasping a spray of lingzhi in its mouth, Japanese wood box

This weight is in good condition, but does have a number of nicks and minor scratches to the surface throughout. There is some areas of wear/rubbing to the gilding to the underside of the body and to the legs, to the areas that touch the surfaces.
"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."

Modelled with gentle features and full rounded body, this figure is a rare example of bronze animal sculptures made for the scholar’s desk. Compare three paperweights in the form of reclining mythological animals from the Robert H. Clague collection, included in the exhibition China’s Renaissance in Bronze, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1993, cat. nos 45-47; another from the Water Pine and Stone Retreat collection, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 4^th April 2012, lot 129; and a further paperweight in the form of a reclining lion, sold twice at Christie’s London, 14^th/17^th June 1985, lot 355A, and 8^th June 1992, lot 144.