A WHITE JADE 'TWIN FISH' GROUP CARVING QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

well worked in openwork in the form of a pair of catfish grasping a lingzhi stem, the bodies detailed with long finely incised fins and curled tails, the lingzhi stem further issuing furled leaves, the smoothly patinated translucent stone of an even white colour with attractive russet skin

Christie’s Hong Kong, 3rd November 1996, lot 970.

The carving is in overall good condition with just minute bruises and nicks to the extremities, including one fish's barbel and the weed of the lingzhi. There are also tiny areas of pitting to the stone.
"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 carving is particularly notable for the lively rendering of the two interlocking fish and the skilful incorporation of the russet skin, which attest to the carver’s reverence for the jade stone and his ability to avoid unnecessary wastage. A similar carving of two catfish and lingzhi, in the collection of W.P. Chung, was included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 194; another from the McElney collection, is illustrated in Barry Till and Paula Swart, Chinese Jade. Stone for the Emperor, Victoria, 1986, pl. 80; and a third, from the collections of Douglas Wright and Alan and Simone Hartman, included in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, New York, 1996, pl. 191, was sold at Christie’s London, 13th February 1978, lot 64. Further related examples were sold at auction, such as one sold in these rooms, 5th November 1996, lot 1102; another sold at Christie’s London, 10th June 1996, lot 199; and a third sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27th November 2007, lot 1564.

This carving is filled with auspicious symbolism as the name for catfish (nianyu) is homophonous with nian (year); hence two interlocking catfish express the wish niannian youyu ('May you have plenty year after year').