A WHITE JADE RETICULATED 'PRUNUS AND BIRD' PLAQUE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the white stone skilfully reticulated and fashioned in the form of a gnarled prunus branch forming the border of a plaque with flowering twigs extending across the roundel, enclosing a long-tailed bird, possibly a magpie, perched on a branch and nestled in between the branches

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

The plaque is in overall good condition with just very minute bruises and nicks to the fragile extremities, including the edge of a petal and the tip of a branch.
"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 piece is impressive for the finely carved and incised details that complement the openwork carving. A similar plaque is illustrated in Xue Bisheng, Zhongguo Yuqi Shangjian, Shanghai, 2000, pl. 246; and another, from the collection of Victor Shaw, was included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch’ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, pl. 183.