Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

Deftly carved from an even pale green stone, the elongated openwork form of this boulder is gracefully mirrored in its details—the gnarled tree branches, jagged rockwork, twisting lingzhi and sinuous deer. The presence of the deer and bat conveys the rebus 'may your blessings and emolument be complete' (fulu shangquan).

An 18th century celadon and russet jade boulder with a deer and a pair of cranes sold at Christie's London, 9th November 2012, lot 1149. See also a boulder with a pair of deer, carved in lower relief and attributed to the 17th/18th century, sold at Christie's New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1029. Compare as we🌼ll an 18th century spinach-green jade 'bat and deer' vase, with the deer carved in a similar manner to the present with incised fur and a star-patterned coat, sold in our London rooms, 18th May 2018, lot 446.