A WHITE JADE 'BIRD AND TWIN PEACHES' GROUP CARVING QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

well worked in the form of a bird resting above a pair of ripe peaches borne on gnarled leafy branches rendered in openwork, its pair of wings and long tail finely detailed with plumage, the stone of a white colour with icy inclusions and russet streaks

The carving is in overall good condition except for expected minute nicks and tiny bruises to the extremities, including the edges and tips of the leaves and bird's wings.
"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."

The subtle lines of the bird's feathers that successfully complement the deeper curves of the wings and round modelling of the peach sprig of the present piece highlight the proficiency of the Qing jade carver with the medium.

A jade bird carved in a similar pose with its head turned backwards while grasping a fruiting peach sprig, in the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, is illustrated in Angus Forsyth and Brian McElney, Jades from China, Bath, 1994, pl. 324; one was included in the exhibition Chinese Jade from Han to Ch’ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 221, from the collection of Victor Shaw; another was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1913; and a fourth was sold at Christie’s London, 10th December 1982, lot 229. See also a similar jade bird group, attributed to the Ming dynasty, from the collection of Desmond Gure, included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 162.