- 3309
A YELLOW AND RUSSET JADE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT DOG SOUTHERN SONG DYNASTY
Description
- jade
Provenance
Exhibited
Literature
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
Compare a celadon jade dog in the same sale, lot 3322, also from the Hei-Chi Collection. The dog is portrayed with an emaciated body reclining in a similar position, the face defined by minimalised features and drilled eyes, illustrated in Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 152 bottom. A white and russet jade dog, also attributed to the Song dynasty and with the head similarly turned back towards its hind legs but with a more naturalistically modelled face, in the British Museum, London, is published in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pl. 26:10; and another was sold in our London rooms, 6th November 1973, lot 274.
Hound-like dogs first appeared in Chinese art during the Tang period, when many pottery versions were produced in a recumbent posture. Small jade carvings such as the present lot may have been owned by those who wished to be known for their hunting skills, an activity that was associated with rank and status.