AN IMPRESSIVE PALE CELADON AND RUSSET JADE ‘CHILONG’ BI DISC QING DYNASTY

of archaistic form, deftly modelled as an archaic bi-disc wreathed by five chilong clambering on the top and edges, their elongated bodies writhing sinuously in different positions, their heads and haunches cleverly worked within the brown inclusions of the stone or marked with russet skin, the underside worked with whorls in relief

The curling tail of the chilong clambering along the upper right edge of the bi-disc has chipped off and been restuck. There are a few expected nicks along the edges of the carving, including a small nick to the tip of the ear of one chilong and a few old nicks to the edge of the bi-disc on the underside that have been smoothly polished over time. Otherwise the disc is in good condition. The carving is rather dramatic and the application of russet skin to simulate the mane of the beasts is particularly successful.
"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."

A jade bi disc carved with chilong, from the collection of Marcel Lorber, was sold in these rooms, 24h April 1987, lot 337; another from the Louis Joseph collection was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31st May 2010, lot 2110; and a third, attributed to the Ming dynasty, in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, is illustrated in René-Yvon Lefebvre d’Argencé, Chinese Jades in the Avery Brundage Collection, Tokyo, 1977, pl. XXXIX. compare also a Ming dynasty Bi-disc from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (II), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 156.