well modelled in the round as a hen, crouching with her head slightly turned towards the right and her legs neatly tucked beneath, naturalistically carved with small rounded eyes, short incurved beak and pendulous wattles, her plumage finely delineated with well differentiated feathers on the hackle, folded wings and tail, the smoothly polished stone of warm greenish-yellow colour with russet shades

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th October 2013, lot 3312.

The figure is 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 soft rounded contours and impeccably smooth finish of the present carving accentuate the evenness and subtle colouration of the stone, which endow the figure with a befitting warmth and richness. The carver has skilfully blended an exaggerated pose with fleshy rounded forms to create a sense of naturalism and calm to the figure.


A closely related yellow jade hen from the collection of Xu Hanqing was sold at Christie's New York, 15th September 2011, lot 922.