A PALE CELADON JADE CARVING OF A RECUMBENT BADGER MING DYNASTY OR EARLIER

well worked in the form of a recumbent badger depicted resting with its legs neatly tucked beneath its body, the body rendered with a well-defined spine and a long tail swept to its side, the stone of an even pale celadon-white colour

The carving is in overall good condition with just typical extremely minute nicks to the edges of the badger's ears.
"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."

Badgers are a popular subject in Chinese art, and the present piece is notable for the exquisitely gentle modelling of the recumbent animal. The beautifully observed details and naturalistic rendering of the figure with a playful expression is reminiscent of Northern Song paintings of animals at play. A jade carving of two playing badgers was included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 107; two were sold in these rooms, the first from the Edward T. Chow collection, 8th October 2009, lot 1667, and the second, 8th October 2010, lot 2815.