naturalistically worked with the front paws outstretched and rear legs tucked underneath the body, its ridged spine extended by a long curled tail, the stone of a greenish-yellow colour with extensive areas of russet

As visible in the catalogue photos, there are shallow nicks to the edges of the carving, the most significant measuring approx. 0.6 cm to the snout. The figure is otherwise in overall good condition with light pitting 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."

Jade carvings of hound-like dogs in a resting pose with outstretched legs can be found from as early as the Tang dynasty, such as the carved figure included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 68. The present piece belongs to a group of distinctive jade animals delicately carved in naturalistic poses, popular from the Song dynasty to the early Qing dynasty. Their utilitarian function was as paperweights, but it is likely that such high-quality, sensitively rendered sculptures were kept as 'playthings' for scholars or wealthy patrons. In this fine example, the interplay between the russet-coloured stains and yellow jade has been skilfully utilised in the dynamic contrast between the rich dark-brown upper body and luminous greenish-yellow belly and legs.

A related crouching yellow jade hound, from the Hei-Chi collection, modelled with a similar coiling tail, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1987, was included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 136, where it is noted that this type of yellow jade is frequently found in the 14th and 15th centuries and some of the classic features of a Song dog carving include a particularly sharply defined spine and ribs; and another, from the collection of Victor Shaw, was exhibited in Exquisite Jade Carving: Figures, Animals, Ornaments, University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 79. See also a similar yellow jade reclining dog, from the collections of Mrs Joan Barrow, Lord and Lady Cunliffe, and Mary and George Bloch, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, London, 1975, cat. no. 251, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 20.

A comparable white jade carving of a dog from the Zhirouzhai collection, attributed to the Song dynasty, was included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, op.cit., cat. no. 85, and sold in these rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2312; and another was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 2056.