Lot 956

956

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Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

PROPERTY FROM THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS, SOLD TO SUPPORT ART ACQUISITIONS AND COLLECTIONS CARE

A FINELY CARVED WHITE JADE BOULDER

18TH CENTURY

Details

A FINELY CARVED WHITE JADE BOULDER
18TH CENTURY
The boulder is carved on one side with a figure wearing a court official's winter hat, seated beneath a prunus tree in a grotto beside three rams (sanyang). The reverse is carved with a deer under a pine tree below a bat in flight. The stone is of pale greenish-white tone.
7 ¼ in. (18.4 cm.) wide, wood stand

Provenance

George Walter Vincent Smith (1832-1923), Springfield, Massachusetts, acquired prior to 1910.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Vicki Paloympis (潘薇琦) Head of Department, VP, Specialist

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

The depiction of the three rams and a lone figure on the front side of this boulder is somewhat unusual. Subjects such as a scholar with attendant, or a lone arhat in a grotto, are more commonly seen. The ram is a symbol of filial piety, kindness and patience. The three rams, sanyang, are also an auspicious motif, related both to the sun and to male children, as they provide a rebus for sanyang kaitai, the opening up of the new growth in spring, referenced here by the prunus branch held by the figure and the prunus tree under which he sits, which in turn symbolize happiness and good fortune. The deer and pine tree on the reverse tie in an additional theme of longevity.

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