A CELADON AND BROWN JADE 'TIGER' GROUP PROBABLY QING DYNASTY

well worked and reticulated in the form of a tiger trampling ferociously on a chilong, the latter portrayed defending with an extended foreleg, the tiger further rendered with gaping jaws and a body detailed with incised streaks, the light brown section of the yellowish celadon pebble utilised to depict the heads of the beasts

The group is in good condition with just minute bruises to the edges. The tail appears to be stained. The catalogue illustration is redder than the actual colour of 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."

Skilfully carved in the round, this piece is notable for the clever use of the natural colouration of the stone to highlight the ferocious expression of the tiger who holds the chilong to the ground. The subject of a tiger and chilong is rare, although depictions of tigers in combat are known in jade and bronze from as early as the Han dynasty, such as the carving in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Jessica Rawson, From the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pl. 26:5, together with its bronze counterpart, p. 361, fig. 1.