清乾隆 白玉龍鳳戲珠璧

the flat circular bi disc bordered with thin raised bands along the outer and inner edges, the central aperture exquisitely worked in openwork to enclose a 'flaming pearl' with wisps extending onto the disc next to low-relief constellations on one side, the outer edges of the disc worked with a phoenix and a dragon rendered soaring amidst ruyi-shaped cloud swirls with their heads facing each other, the stone of an even white colour with light icy inclusions

The disc is in overall good condition. There are some expected minute nicks to the extremities. There are also tiny areas of natural flaws to 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 unusual carving is an outstanding reinterpretation of the bi disc through the composition of the design. The 'flaming pearl' hovers in the central aperture white the dragon and phoenix embody a sense of dynamism through the swirling motifs that create a sense of movement.

Discs of this type are very rare, with the dragon and phoenix motif more commonly found carved within the disc; for example see one attributed to the Song/Ming periods, from the Earl R. Preston collection, included in the exhibition Chinese Jade. The Image from Within, Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, 1985, cat. no. 111, offered at Christie’s New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1797; and another published in Zhongmo Fu, The Art of Jade Carving in Ancient China, Hong Kong, 1989, pl. 100. Compare also a white jade plaque depicting a stylised conjoined dragon and phoenix, attributed to the Qianlong period, sold at Christie’s London, 15th May 2012, lot 79.