A WHITE AND RUSSET JADE 'DRAGON AND PHOENIX' GROUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY |

the broad, flat stone carved with the two fantastic creatures in profile, the larger dragon-fish rearing upward, its powerful body writhing in a tight S-curve, its long fins sweeping upward from the shoulders echoing the arch of the neck, the mouth open in a roar, a small phoenix next to the proper right side of the dragon, its legs tucked under and the neck and tail relaxed contrasting the unbridled energy of its companion, the details of each animal's anatomy deftly carved, the stone an icy white color flecked with dark russet towards the top

Collection of Jon Edwards.
Weisbrod Chinese Art, Ltd., New York.

A Private Collection of Early Chinese Jades, Weisbrod Chinese Art, Ltd, New York, 1994, cat. no. 43.

Robert P. Youngman, The Youngman Collection of Chinese Jades from Neolithic to Qing, Chicago, 2008, pl. 149.

Overall in good condition. There are a few natural fissures around the russet. The color of the stone is slightly whiter than in the illustration in the printed catalogue.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This animal group has a strong sense of vitality coursing through the fluid curving lines of the dragon-fish, which is harmoniously offset by the placid countenance of the bird roosting next to it. The bold use of the russet skin to accent the otherwise white stone similarly contributes to the composition's overall expression of balanced dynamism. The sophistication of the form and the crispness of the carving indicate that this piece was produced circa the Kangxi period, when jade craftsmen reached new heights in the refinement of traditional subjects and the development of a fresh aesthetic. The bodily movement and anatomical features of the dragon-fish bear a striking resemblance to a Kangxi period white jade carving of a makara sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1600; while the naturalistic articulation of the bird, especially the treatment of the head, is consistent with that of a Kangxi era white jade goose from the collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th November 2007, lot 1563. The ridges and bell-shaped curve of the wings of each creature also closely resemble the wings of a Kangxi period white jade tianma ('heavenly horse') sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 11th April 2008, lot 3080; and the form of the lingzhi in a Kangxi period carving of a calcified jade 'deer' group sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th April 2015, lot 3751.