明 白玉雕摔跤童子

modelled with one boy squatting and supporting the other with both arms, the latter portrayed with outstretched arms and legs wrapping around the former, each boy depicted clad in loose robes with voluminous folds, the head rendered lifted upwards and picked out with a joyful expression, the stone of a pale celadon-white colour highlighted with russet streaks

The group is in good condition. There is a tiny nick to a natural flaw at the boy's finger on the reverse. The catalogue illustration is a tinge 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 piece embodies the style of jade carving developed from the Song and Jin periods, as seen in the full rounded forms of the bodies and the simple rendering of the folds of their clothing. The craftsman has skilfully captured the playfulness of the subject through their interwoven poses and their joyful facial expressions.

Compare a jade carving of two boys in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 6, Ming Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 280; two included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. nos 13 and 15, the first attributed to the Song and Jin period, from the Jin Yu Tang and Zhirouzhai collections, also sold in these rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2302, and the second from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection; and another example from the collection of the Chang Shou Studio, sold in these rooms, 5th April 2017, lot 3315.