A rare grey and black jade carving of a recumbent deer, Ming dynasty

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION, SYDNEY

the animal well modelled with its legs tucked beneath its body, its head raised facing forward and holding in its mouth long stems of lingzhi fungus, one stem curling over one side of its body with the fungus head rising over its haunches and a shorter stem extending over the other side, the pale greyish stone with darker veining and brown suffusions, and some areas of black, box
10.5 cm long

The deer together with lingzhi is an auspicious subject that became popular in the Yuan and early Ming period. Deer, lu, homophone with a word signifying happiness and prosperity. The lingzhi, a fungus believed to grow on the island abodes of the Immortals symbolizes immortality.
Compare with a smaller celadon jade carving in the Palace Museum Beijing, illustrated in Jadeware (II), The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1995, p. 274, no. 210

• Lot Sold $10,000 (Hammer Price)
• $12,200 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)

Condition Report

Generally good condition.

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 Australia is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Saleroom Notices regarding this sale. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT,ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS.

CONTACT INFORMATION +

Specialists
	Guy Cairnduff Head Arts & Design Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Guy Cairnduff		Geoffrey Smith Chairman Australian & International Art Melbourne  |  Sydney T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Geoffrey Smith
	Ann Roberts Specialist Consultant, Asian Art Arts & Design Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Ann Roberts		Anthony Hurl Specialist Consultant Arts & Design Adelaide T: +61 (0)8 7225 7836 E: Anthony Hur
	Brett Ballard Senior Specialist Australian & International Art Sydney T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Brett Ballard		Fiona Hayward Senior Specialist Australian & International Art Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Fiona Hayward