A SUPERBLY CARVED AND EXTREMELY RARE CARNELIAN FIGURE OF A MYTHICAL BEAST QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |

the recumbent animal with legs tucked underneath its body, its head turned sharply backwards looking towards its bifurcated tail, surmounted by a single horn between angular scrolled ears, its mouth gently opened revealing the neatly arranged teeth, the bushy eyebrows, fur and curled tail finely incised, the stone of a rich vermillion-red with milky-white veins, wood stand

S. Marchant & Son Ltd, London.

The figure is in overall good condition, with just minor surface wear and tiny chips to the teeth and the toes of the front right paw. The colour is less intense red than in the catalogue photo.
"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."

Carnelian agate of this brilliant gem-like quality, naturally endowed with the richest coral-red colour, would have been a highly prized resource in the 18th century, reserved for Imperial works of art of the highest quality. This mythical beast is outstanding for the high quality of its carving, skilfully modelled in the round to capture its powerful movement, muscular body, lean yet powerful torso and legs, and poised ferocious expression. It could have been created as a paperweight, or simply as a ‘plaything’, a prestigious object of pleasure for a high ranking patron. A carnelian-agate figure of a deer of slightly smaller size in the Palace Museum, Beijing is illustrated online, http://en.dpm.org.cn/collections/collections/2017-10-25/5493.html, where it is identified as a paperweight. For other Imperial works of art carved from carnelian-agate of this rich ruby-red quality, see a ‘lingzhi’ brushrest from the Qing court collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Small Refined Articles of the Study, Shanghai, 2009, p. 122, pl. 91. See also a double vase originally in the collection of George de Menasce, included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 491, and sold in these rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 3746.