A WHITE AND RUSSET JADE 'THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER' WRISTREST QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

fashioned in the form of a section of a tree trunk with irregular undulating edges, finely worked with gnarled branches bearing prunus buds and florets, as well as clusters of pine blossoms, extending across the uneven surface of the wristrest, the lower section subtly picked out with sprouting bamboo shoots, the stone of a pale celadon colour with patches of attractive russet skin, wood stand

Purchased in Beijing in 1900, and thence by descent to an English collector, by repute.

The wristrest is in overall good condition with just insignificant nicks to the extremities, including the edges of the wristrest and the tip of a prunus branch. There are natural veins and flaws to the stone skilfully incorporated with the design. There is also an inscription to the underside reading "RS 17 BN22 OAB" (postcode) that is visible under UV light.
"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 wristrest is notable for the skilful use of the material and the naturalistic rendering of this popular motif. The natural russet inclusions of the jade stone have been cleverly used in a sophisticated manner, highlighting areas of the design in brown relief. A brushrest carved in the form of a pine trunk, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum, Jade, vol. 9, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 39; and another was sold in our New York rooms, 18th/19th April 1989, lot 197. See also brushrests fashioned in the form of a bamboo section: one in the Alan and Simone Hartman collection, illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, New York, 1996, pl. 97; and another from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors 1662-1795, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2005, cat. no. 140, and sold in these rooms, 8th April 2013, lot 122.