AN AGATE 'TWIN FISH' CARVING QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the russet and creamy white sections of the stone cleverly worked in high relief depicting two intertwined catfish curled facing the rear of the other with their heads perched on the other's tail, all borne on a leafy lingzhi stem

There is a chip to the edge of the lingzhi, a polished chip above one eye. and some minor nicks to the extremities.
"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."

Compare similarly carved jade versions of two catfish, such as one in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum's exhibition Auspicious Ju-i Scepters of China, Taipei, 1995, cat. no. 80; one exhibited in Chinese Jades from Han to Ch’ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 91; and another included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 194.