of generous proportions, the thick blade tapering at one end and outlined with rounded edges, one side with a concave groove marked with concentric rings, the lustrous stone of a pale greyish-beige colour accentuated with brown and white inclusions

Angus Forsyth and Brian McElney, Jades from China, The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, 1994, cat. no. 55.

Roger Keverne, ed., Jade, London, 1991, p. 64, fig. 26.

In overall good condition with natural flaws and inclusions in stone as well as minor signs of calcification, particularly at the thicker end of the chisel (as illustrated).
"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."

In addition to its remarkable thickness, suggesting that it would have been able to withstand forceful use, the current honey-coloured chisel is rare in that it bears a half perforation across one side. The groove is wide angled and marked with concentric rings, and it is possible that the current chisel was once married to a separate parallel 'sister' counterpart with a corresponding groove.