A PALE CELADON JADE 'BIRD AND PRUNUS' PENDANT 17TH/18TH CENTURY

the bird shown recumbent grasping a blossoming prunus stem in its beak, its finely detailed wings folded on the sides, the stone of a pale celadon colour with russet inclusions, pierced at the top to thread a string

The carving with a restored chip to one petal.
"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."

Carvings of birds modelled in this pose were made from the Tang dynasty onwards, such as one included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 233; and another illustrated in John Johnston and Chan Lai Pik, 5000 Years of Chinese Jade, San Antonio, Texas, 2011, pl. 49.