A CELADON AND BROWN JADE MYTHICAL BEAST 17TH CENTURY

the beast carved recumbent with legs tucked into the arched spiny body and head down, the stone of mottled celadon and brown colour with darker veining

There is a tiny nick to the top and bottom lip of the beast, otherwise the jade beast is in overall good 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."

A jade carving of a mythological beast similarly modelled with its head lowered, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, was included in the exhibition Great National Treasures of China, Kaohsiung City, 1983, cat. no. 40; and another is illustrated in James C. Y. Watt, Chinese Jades from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, 1989, pl. 55. Compare also one attributed to the Tang period, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade throughout the ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 195.