A WHITE AND RUSSET JADE MANDARIN FISH QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

worked naturalistically in the form of a swimming mandarin fish with circular pectoral and tail fins and a spiky dorsal fin, grasping in its mouth a curled leafy spray of millet, the stone of an opaque milky-white tone suffused with caramel-russet inclusions, wood stand

Dunt King, Hong Kong, 1966.
Bluett & Sons Ltd, London, 1967 (£48:16:4).
Collection of Roger Pilkington (1928-69), from 1967 (£110).

Good overall condition, with just expected surface wear and minute chips to the underside of the fish's lower fin.
"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."

The mandarin fish (guiyu) is homophonous with the character for ‘wealth and honour’, while the word yu is also a homophone for ‘abundance’. The millet (sui) forms a pun on the phrase for 'year after year'; hence this piece conveys wishes for wealth and abundance year after year.

While similar carvings of mandarin fishes are known they are usually depicted with lotus; such as one included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 405; and another sold in our London rooms, 15th May 2013, lot 50.