Lot 3334
  • 3334

A CELADON AND RUSSET JADE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT DOG SONG DYNASTY

Estimate
500,000 - 700,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

  • jade
with one outstretched paw gently placed atop another and resting its head on its foreleg, the body rendered with ridged ribs flanking a prominently defined backbone terminating in a long curled tail, the pebble of a pale celadon colour with extensive variegated russet areas

Exhibited

Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collections in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2002.

Condition

The figure is in overall good condition with just light surface wear. There are also some natural imperfections and 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."

Catalogue Note

Jade carvings of hound-like dogs in a resting pose can be found from as early as the Tang dynasty, such as the carved figure from the Hei-Chi Collection included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 68. The present piece belongs to a group of distinctive jade animals delicately carved in naturalistic poses, popular from the Song dynasty to the early Qing dynasty. They were used as paperweights, but it is likely that such high-quality, sensitively rendered sculptures were kept as 'playthings' for scholars or wealthy patrons.

A crouching jade dog from the collection of Sir Joseph Hotung, attributed to the Song dynasty, is illustrated in Ip Yee, Chinese Jade Carving, Urban Council of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, no. 134, and again in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pl. 26:10, where the author notes that 'hounds in jade may have been worn by those who wished to be known for their prowess in hunting' (p. 367). Compare also a white jade carving of a dog from the Zhirouzhai Collection, attributed to the Song dynasty, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 85, and sold in these rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2312; one other from the Song dynasty, offered in this sale, lot 3322; and a Ming russet jade dog from the Muwen Tang Collection, recently sold in these rooms, 1st December 2016, lot 40.