the finial with a rounded top, reticulated with four egrets standing amidst dense clusters of curling stalks issuing large lotus pads and flowering buds, the stone of a celadon colour with russet skin skilfully worked to accentuate a large leaf and dragonfly on one side

Auspicious Emblems. Chinese Cultural Treasures - 45th Anniversary Exhibition of the Min Chiu Society, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2005, cat. no. 28.

There are some expected small bruises and small nicks to the edges and fragile extremities, including the edges of the lotus pads and one of the wings of the dragonfly. The finial is otherwise well preserved and 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. 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."

The motif of egrets in a lotus pond is homophonous with the expression yilu lianke (‘May you pass your exams all the way’). See three related finials excavated at the Xilin Pagoda, Songjiang area, illustrated in Jade Wares of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Unearthed from Shanghai, Shanghai, 2001, pls. 90-92, together with one excavated at Rend’ tombs in Beimiao, Qingpu area, pl. 104; and one unearthed at Zhangye, Gansu province, included in the exhibition The World of Khubilai Khan. Chinese Art in the Yuan Dynasty, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2010, cat. no. 352 . Compare also a finial in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 5, Tang, Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties, Beijing, 2011, pl. 182; and another in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s exhibition Age of the Great Khan. Pluralism in Chinese Art and Culture Under the Mongols, Taipei, 2001, cat. no. IV-14.