清十八世紀 白玉螳螂

carved perched on a branch of flowering hibiscus holding a fruit in its front claws, its wings depicted folded along its round body and its head gently turned to the left, the smoothly polished stone of an even white colour with russet speckles skilfully picked out with the insect's wings

The carving is in overall very good condition. There is some light original nibbling along the edges and occasional surface pitting. The actual colour is somewhat less yellow with warmer tone compare to catalogue illustration.
"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."

參考一相類例，Klaus J. Mueller教授收藏，錄東方陶瓷學會展覽，《The Animal in Chinese Art》，The Arts Council Gallery，倫敦，1968年，編號53及《Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages》，維多利亞和阿爾伯特博物館，倫敦，1975年，編號468，曾售巴黎蘇富比2013年6月12日，編號113。另見一例，售香港蘇富比2010年4月8日，編號1819。

螳螂紋飾，宋、元始漸盛行，可見一宋代作例，藏巴斯東亞藝術博物館，錄Angus Forsyth及Brian McElney，《Jades from China》，巴斯，1994年，圖版240。