well modelled as a reclining ram with legs folded neatly beneath its body, the head depicted held high with its long horns curling against its body, two of its young portrayed nestling against it, one near its chest at the front, the other behind its haunches, the even white stone skilfully worked with russet patches and streaks concentrating on the underside of the group

The Hei-Chi Collection.

Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 90.

Jiang Tao and Liu Yunhui, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 153 top.

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."

Compare a jade figure of a single recumbent ram, from the collection of B.S. McElney, exhibited and illustrated in Ip Yee, Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, pl. 142, where the author states that the facetted face of the ram, noticeable also on the present piece, is a characteristic of Song jade animal carvings.