A black and white jade ram group. Qing dynasty, 18th century

finely and cleverly carved using the contrasting tones of the stone with a large recumbent ram with its two young at its side. 5.4cm., 2 1/8 in. Est. 4,000—6,000 GBP. Lot Sold 17,500 GBP

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London www.sothebys.com