Rare bélier en jade jaune Dynastie Ming, XVIIE siècle

représenté couché, les pattes repliées sous le corps, la tête tournée vers l'arrière, la pierre délicatement polie d'une belle teinte jaune veinée de brun

There is a thin natural vein starting at the middle of the belly, extending all around the back and finishing on the right flank, and dividing into another ca. 1.5 cm vein on the left flank. There is a ca. 2.5 by 1.5 cm area of milky-brown calcified jade on the front left leg. The carving is in overall very good condition, with very minor wear to the patina. The stone is of a milky yellow tone polished to a soft glow. The actual colour is less orange than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"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."