明 灰白玉辟邪把件

boldly worked as a recumbent bixie with its head turned towards its back with one paw resting on another, its bifurcated horn extending downwards with a curled tip, the beast grasping in its mouth a long leafy lingzhi sprig extending across its body, its left haunch depicted with flames, the stone of a grey colour mottled with darker inclusions and streaks 

Cunliffe 爵士伉儷收藏

The carving is in overall very good condition. There is possibly a nick that has been polished down to the lingzhi to the right of the bixie's mouth. The catalogue illustration is redder than the actual colour of the stone.
"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."

This charming carving is notable for its exquisite workmanship, successfully capturing a sense of life and animation. While the figure embodies elements characteristic of carved Ming mythical creatures, such as the almost deliberately archaistic style of the dramatic pose, exaggerated features and choice of mottled stone, the carver’s dexterity in this medium is apparent in his ability to model the figure according to the shape of the pebble. Small jade carvings of this type were often used on scholar’s desks, where they served both as paperweights and as works of art in their own right.

A similar jade carving of a mythical beast in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 6, Ming Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 236; another was sold in our London rooms, 6th November 1973, lot 310. See also a recumbent mythical beast, but lacking the lingzhi spray, in the collection of Yvonne Ip, included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving. Figures. Animals. Ornaments, Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1995, cat. no. 112; another, illustrated in Naturalism and Archaism. Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, London, 1995, pl. 50; and a third, sold in our London rooms, 11th December 1984, lot 77.