A BAMBOO-ROOT 'TOAD' CARVING QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

carved using the natural material in the form of a rotund crouching amphibian with large bulging eyes and a series of smoothly-rounded warts on its back, the surface patinated to a rich reddish-brown colour

There is a chip to one leg, and tiny chips to the back of the frog and to the tip of one toe. There are also age cracks and pitting to the bamboo consistent with its age. The bamboo is more red compared to the illustration in the catalogue.
"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."

A slightly smaller carving of a toad inscribed with the characters zhuyin and attributed to the sixteenth century, was included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition The Radiant Ming 1368–1644, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong, 2015, cat. no. 188.