A GREY AND BLACK JADE PHOENIX MING DYNASTY OR EARLIER

carved seated with legs neatly tucked beneath the body and the wings curled and folded around the body, the head raised and turned to the left, the stone of mottled grey and black tones

There are minor nicks along the edges and some pitting to the surface of the stone, but otherwise the carving 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 bird fashioned in a similar pose was included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 235; another is illustrated in Brian Morgan, Naturalism & Archaism: Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, London, 1995, pl. 26; and a third from the collection of Mr and Mrs B.H. Tisdall, was included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 81, where the author notes that the use of mottled stone is a characteristic of jade carvings of the 13th and 14th century.