skilfully depicted recumbent with facial features realistically rendered below a pair of small funnel-form pricked ears, the head framed by a pair of curved ridges detailed with fine incisions repeated along its upper back, interrupted by a collar decorated with three raised studs, the body rendered with curved contours, the substantial pale celadon stone with variegated greyish-russet skin extending along the back and hind of the figure

The Hei-Chi Collection.

Jiang Tao and Liu Yunhui, eds, Jades from Hei-Chi Collection II, Beijing, 2012, p. 72.

The figure is in overall good condition. There are minute bruises to the edges of the extremities, including the tips of its paws, some possibly light polished.
"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."

This bear is carved in the round from celadon jade and is partially covered with light brown mottles. Recumbent on its four limbs and staring directly ahead, the bear is finely articulated, with a short nose and short upward-pointing ears. Its delicate collar indicates that it is a domesticated pet.

In form, decoration, and mood, this present work recalls another jade bear excavated from one of the tombs of the Princes of Chu in Beidongshan, Xuzhou. Similarly depicted robust and recumbent, the jade bear is also portrayed with a collar and hair detailed with short incised lines. See Da Han Chuwang: Xuzhou Xihan Chuwang lingmu wenwu jicui [Selected cultural relics excavated at the Western Han dynasty mausoleum of the King of Chu], National Museum of China, Beijing, 2005, pp. 268-275. However, the present piece is carved from jade of a different quality and is half the size of 🐽the Beidongshan example. It differs from the latter also in its triangular renditions of the bear’s eyes, nostrils, mouth and ears.