- 203
A YELLOW JADE 'YINGXIONG' GROUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH – 18TH CENTURY
Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 HKD
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Description
- Jade
skilfully worked in the round as a falcon perched atop the muscular back of a recumbent mythical beast, forming the rebus yingxiong (champion), the stone of an attractive warm yellow colour with faint russet inclusions and dark speckles
Condition
Good condition with just a minute bruise to the wing and other minor surface wear.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Deftly modelled in the round, this piece is notable for its naturalistic rendering of the bird which perches precariously upon a mythical creature. In its reclining pose, with its head turned towards the bird, the mythological animal is based on Ming jade renderings of the subject. The combination of an eagle or hawk (ying) and mythological creature or bear (xiong), form the rebus for ‘hero’ and ‘bravery’, hence carvings of this type were presented as gifts to men in the military.
Compare further similar carvings, such as one included in the exhibition Naturalism & Archaism. Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, Carter Fine Art Limited, London, 1995, cat. no. 59; another in the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, illustrated in Angus Forsyth and Brian McElney, Jades from China, Hong Kong, 1994, pl. 292; a third, but modelled with a bear instead of a mythological creature, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 9, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 149; one, from the collection of Constance Margaret Goldney, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 3307; and another sold in our London rooms, 4th November 2007, lot 3.
Compare further similar carvings, such as one included in the exhibition Naturalism & Archaism. Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, Carter Fine Art Limited, London, 1995, cat. no. 59; another in the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, illustrated in Angus Forsyth and Brian McElney, Jades from China, Hong Kong, 1994, pl. 292; a third, but modelled with a bear instead of a mythological creature, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 9, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 149; one, from the collection of Constance Margaret Goldney, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 3307; and another sold in our London rooms, 4th November 2007, lot 3.