A WHITE JADE CRAB QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

depicted with spined carapace and eight hooked legs characteristic of a mitten crab, its crossed pincers raised in front of its mouth, the stone of an even white colour with slight russet colouration

There is a tiny nick near the crab's eye and to one claw, and nibbles to the tips of the claws.
"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 larger white and brown jade crab, attributed to the Ming dynasty, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, was included in the Museum's exhibition Masterworks of Chinese Jade in the National Palace Museum, 1973, cat. no. 24; and a grey and pale beige crab holding ears of corn, attributed to the late Ming or early Qing period, was included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 190.