A WHITE AND RUSSET JADE 'POMEGRANATE' CARVING QING DYNASTY

skilfully rendered with the russet skin of the white stone, depicting an insect on a ripe pomegranate borne on a gnarled leafy branch, later converted into a snuff bottle

The carving is in overall good condition. There are expected minute bruises and nicks to the raised edges.
"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."

Fruits and flowers encapsulating auspicious messages were highly favoured in the 18th century and the pomegranate was especially popular as it stood for abundance and fertility. A carving of a pomegranate is illustrated in James C.Y. Watt, Chinese Jades from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, 1989, pl. 78; one was sold in our London rooms, 15th May 2013, lot 58; another from the collection of James H. Kelley, was sold at Christie’s New York, 15th September 2009, lot 154; a slightly larger example depicting two pomegranates, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 9, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 162; and another was sold in these rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 3612.