carved in a recumbent pose on an integral base with natural contours of the stone preserved, the animal's forelegs tucked by the chest, the hips turned to rest on the right haunch, the tail swept to the opposite side, the neck elongated, the chin raised and the gaze directed upward, a crest rising from the crown of the head fringed by the finely carved mane falling down the neck to the shoulders, flame scrolls carved in relief issuing from the hips and shoulders, the base pierced, the stone opaque black with hints of opaque white on the body and the base, wood stand (2)

Purchased in Hong Kong, 1964.

Robert P. Youngman, The Youngman Collection of Chinese Jades from Neolithic to Qing, Chicago, 2008, cat. no. 110.

The figure is in mostly good condition, however the tuft of hair at the chin is lost (with the affected area slightly polished and painted black), polished chips to the knees of the forelegs, and minute nicks to the edges of the base.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This carving effectively integrates the stone's inherent qualities into the composition. The rich black color of the jade interspersed with white patches at the horse's nose and knees beautifully mimics the natural coloration of a horse. Additionally, by using the principally white section of the stone for the base, and leaving the base with a raw appearance, the carver dexterously distinguishes the two parts of the composition and enhances the overall sense of naturalism. Carvings of heavenly horses are rare vis-à-vis representations of other animals, both real and mythical. The treatment of the face, mane, and body, and the incorporation of an integral base favorably compare to a Ming dynasty jade carving of a horse drinking from a river, exhibited in Chinese Jade throughout the ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, and illustrated in, 'Chinese Jade throughout the ages', Transactions of the Oriental Ceramic Society, vol. 40, London, 1973-75, cat. no. 364; and a similar carving from the Zhirouzhai Collection offered in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2328.