清康熙至雍正 瑪瑙巧雕美人擺件

exquisitely carved in the form of a naked beauty depicted seated with the knees slightly bent in front of the body, depicted with the head slightly tilted to the left and the left arm placed gently on the left leg, the right arm holding a long sash twirling around her legs and extending to her back, the facial expression delicately rendered serene and picked out with a subtle smile, all above supple breasts, the stone of a pale milky-beige colour with a patch of darker stone skilfully carved to portray the neatly tied top-knot, wood stand

傳前駐北京荷蘭大使購於1950年代

The carving is in good overall condition with just minor wear to the extremities, especially the back of her neck.
"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 sensitively carved figure of a naked meiren ('beautiful lady') is of exceptional quality and precision. It is extremely rare to find figures of this quality in any medium, especially so because the carving of erotic figures, more prevalent in the late Ming period in a range of materials, gradually disappeared underground in the early Qing period. Moreover, it is even rarer to find such figures carved in agate.

Her pose carries the characteristics of early erotic figures, with her head propped up on one hand, her twisting body and hand placed suggestively by her legs, and with particular intricacy of detail in depicting her voluptuous curves and anatomical details with sensitive precision. Her hair is gathered in a bun at the back of her head in late-Ming style.

Erotic figures such as the current example may also have been inspired by early Qing dynasty doctors' models, such as the one from the Kwan collection included in the exhibition Chinese Ivories from the Kwan Collection, Art Gallery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1990, cats. no. 96-97. See also a carving of a reclining female figure resting on a leaf while holding a fan, attributed to the late Ming/early Qing period, from the Guan-fu collection, included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch’ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 105. See also a white jade figure of a naked meiren, sharing distinct similarities to this figure, currently on offer in Emperors' Playthings – A Connoisseur's Collection, lot 3028.

The closest comparable example of agate figures of this exceptional quality sold at auction is the pair of agate carvings of boys, sold at Woolley & Wallis, Salisbury, 23rd May 2013, lot 681 for an unprecedented price. They share distinct characteristics with the current figure: the bold and sensitive carving of facial features; the skilful use of darker patches in the stone to render the top knots of the hair; and the use of gently incised lines to render the details of the hands and hair.