PRINTPROVENANCE:
Sotheby's New York, 11th/12th April 1990, Lot 242
Sotheby's New York, 11th/12th April 1990, Lot 242
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A CARVED WHITE JADE GROTTO GROUP
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17th Century H: 17 cm |
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Estimate
2,400,000 - 3,800,000 647,000 - 1,024,000 82,700 - 130,900
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Catalogue Note:
This white jade grotto group is made of a complete boulder of white jade, carved in the form of a richly caparisoned image of landscape and an elephant in it. The elephant is standing within the cave with pine tree branches climbing on it, looking back towards the elephant herder holding a wooden stick. The carving is so detailed that even the wrinkles on the skin of the elephant can be seen clearly. On the other side of the group an image of the forest is depicted, with an old man standing alone on one side of the stairs, looking into the far distance.
During Qianlong period, because of the rich resources of jade, jade groups like this one were made in great quantity, big ones to the size of several meters, smalls ones several centimeters, usually used as decorations.
During Qianlong period, because of the rich resources of jade, jade groups like this one were made in great quantity, big ones to the size of several meters, smalls ones several centimeters, usually used as decorations.