depicted as an angelic figure flying elegantly above scrolling clouds, rendered adorned with a long flowing celestial scarf, the head detailed with three hair knots, the softly polished stone with some russet highlights

There are small chips to the fragile extremities, including a section of approx 0.5cm to a cloud under the boy. 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."

Skilfully carved with flowing scarves and supported on billowing clouds, this carving captures a sense of rhythmic movement suited to the role of an apsara. Apsaras belong to the Buddhist pantheon, where they are considered celestial beings that dance or play heavenly music upon various instruments. They first appeared in cave temples where they were meant to enliven and animate votive altars, triad groups and cave niches. By the Tang dynasty, small jade figures of flying apsaras began to appear; see for example one in the Tianjin Museum, Tianjin, illustrated in Jade Wares Collected by Tianjin Museum, Beijing, 2012, pl. 110, together with two attributed to the Song dynasty, pls. 120 and 121, and a fourth attributed to the Jin dynasty, pl. 141.