AN IMPERIAL PALE GREEN JADE 'WANG XIZHI AND GEESE' CARVING QING DYNASTY, 17TH – 18TH CENTURY

skilfully modelled as Wang Xizhi rendered reclining in a leisurely pose on jagged rockwork by a streaming river with two geese facing each other, the bearded scholar portrayed clad in loose robes and holding a scroll in its left hand, an attendant depicted in the round standing behind him and holding a further goose in his hands, the stone of a pale green colour with veins and inclusions, wood stand

The carving is in overall good condition except for some expected insignificant nicks to the fragile extremities, including the book in Wang's hand as well as his headdress.
"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 depicts the celebrated calligrapher, Wang Xizhi (AD 303-361), leisurely enjoying his book while geese swim by and his attendant brings him another goose. Wang found inspiration for his calligraphy in natural forms, including the graceful necks of geese, and his fondness for them is reflected in the famous story where he copied the Daoist classic Daodejing [the classic of the Dao and of virtue] for a priest in exchange for a white goose.

This charming piece belongs to a group of symbolic jade carvings made as sculptures, curios or paper weights to adorn scholar’s studios. It is particularly notable for its large size and delicate carving, as seen in the gentle expressions of the scholar and his assistant. It is also rare to find such depictions of historical figures. The dexterity of the carver is further attested in his ability to include the natural inclusions of the stone into the rendering of the rockwork.

Carvings with such prominent rockwork are rare, although two examples also depicting the scholar Wang Xizhi, were sold in our London rooms, 14th May 2014, lot 18, and in these rooms, 19th November 1985, lot 40 respectively. See also a similarly carved group of a scholar riding a horse and his attendant, sold in these rooms, 5th November 1996, lot 1044; a carving of a scholar and his dog, leaning on rockwork, sold in our New York rooms, 19th March 2007; and a further example with a scholar leaning on a pile of books, included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, The Urban Council, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 176.