A CELADON AND RUSSET JADE CARVING OF A MANDARIN DUCK QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

finely carved through the russet skin with wings neatly tucked around the body, the head turned sharply to the left looking over its back and holding a large lotus branch in its beak, the stone of celadon tone with traces of the russet skin, wood stand

The carving is in very good condition with the exception of a tiny neck to the edge of the lotus leaf on the underside.
"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."

This charming piece is notable for its naturalistic carving, as seen in the detailed rendering of the bird’s feathers and the sensitive modelling of its feet. The inclusion of russet in the outermost edges of the carving show the craftsman has carefully composed the design within the shape of the high quality stone to ensure minimal wastage of the precious material while providing pleasing aesthetic contrasts.

A related carving, the duck fashioned in a similar pose with its head turned sharply back, was included in the exhibition Jade As Sculpture, Minnesota Museum of Art, Saint Paul, 1975, cat. no. 25; one was sold in our New York rooms, 23rd October 1976, lot 51; and a slightly smaller example, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, is illustrated in Ming Wilson, Chinese Jades, London, 2004, pl. 24 (right). Compare also a similar carving attributed to the Ming dynasty, from the collections of Lt. Col. and Mrs W.B.R. Neave Hill, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 361, sold at Christie's New York, 29th March 2006, lot 202.