A WHITE JADE 'BOY AND BIRD' GROUP QING DYNASTY |

the cheerful youth kneeling and petting a small bird, the bird's tail sweeping under the boy's right knee and its head lifted to receive the boy's gentle touch, the boy dressed in loose robes falling in folds over his arms and knees, his smiling face tilted downward and framed by the shawl billowing around the shoulders, a small badger clambering across the boy's shoulders and toying with the shawl, the stone of a even creamy-white color

Overall in good condition, except for one small chip to the sash beneath the badger's head, a minute chip to the figure's hem and a few minute scattered nicks. The color of the stone is slightly greener 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.

The theme of boys playing with animals is a traditional motif favored for its implied wish for the prosperity of male offspring. With the cheerful boy tending to a small bird accompanied by a badger on his shoulders, the combination of imagery on the present lot is uncommon. His shawl billows around him, the drapery enveloping the entire figure from top to bottom. Compare a celadon jade figure of a boy carrying a lotus spray with the garments similarly worked, formerly in the collection of T.Y. Chao, sold in our Hong Kong rooms 30th November 2017, lot 357. For an example with the composition and drapery carved in a similar manner, see a figure of Liu Hai, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th November 2013, lot 3602 (part lot).