A LARGE JADE 'SCHOLAR AND ATTENDANT' BOULDER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the large and substantial boulder boldly worked on one side with a scholar, possibly Huai Su (737-799), seated next to an attendant before a table in a rocky setting arboured with densely grown trees, the two figures rendered holding a large plantain leaf whilst the bearded scholar writes on it with a brush, the reverse with a recumbent deer resting on a rocky ledge below a flying crane and wisps of ruyi clouds, the rocky landscape further detailed with willow branches and pine blossoms, the stone of a pale greyish-celadon colour with inclusions and areas of russet skin

Collection of R.G. Hewins, by repute.
William Clayton Ltd., London.

Good overall condition with just minor chips to the fragile extremities of the design, particularly the leaves, some of which have small losses.
"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."

Impressive for its large size, this jade boulder is notable for its finely carved scene of a scholar and an attendant writing on a plantain leaf. This motif echoes the story of the Buddhist monk Huai Su (737-799), who became particularly famous for his cursive calligraphy. Huai is believed to have lived in Lingling, Hunan province, where he planted many plantain trees in order to use their leaves for practising calligraphy.

For jade boulders of similar large size, see one carved with scholars in landscape, the stone of similar colouration, from the collection of the British Rail Pension Fund, sold in these rooms, 16th May 1989, lot 98; two sold in our London rooms, the first, 11th March 1969, lot 34, and the second, 5th June 1981, lot 15; and a fourth boulder of slightly smaller size, sold at Christie’s New York, 23rd March 2012, lot 1840.