the rounded cup finely carved in openwork on the exterior with three boys supported on rockwork interspersed with flowers, one boy peering into the cup, another with his head turned sideways, and the third with his back to the washer, one hand holding the rim and the other clasping a ruyi scepter, the greenish-white stone with several whitish veins, wood stand (2)

Bulgari Collection, Rome.
Maria Cescatti Collection, Rome.
Eskenazi Ltd., London.

Early Chinese Metalwork in Gold and Silver: Works of Art of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Eskenazi Ltd., London, 2011, cat. no. 20.

The cup is is in overall good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

It is rare to find cups carved with three boys, though a slightly smaller cup with two boys is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, p. 199, no. 163. See, also a twin boy handled cup with similar dating sold in these rooms, 23rd March 2004, lot 514; and another, of hexagonal form and dated to the Yuan dynasty, also sold in these rooms, 20th March 2012, lot 212.