A finely carved pale greenish-white jade grotto group, 17th-18th century. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The front is carved in deep relief with Shoulao holding a peach standing on a ledge beside an attendant holding a vase of flowers, surrounded by the pierced walls of a grotto and above a deer grasping a sprig of lingzhi in its mouth. A pine tree is to one side and a bat is in flight above, while the reverse is carved with a pair of cranes, one standing on a ledge above a waterfall. The stone is semi-translucent and is softly polished. 8 in. (20.5 cm.) high. Estimate $40,000 – $60,000

Provenance: Acquired in the United States by Emma Brewster Jennings (1861-1942), or Esther Judson Auchincloss (1895-1986), and thence by descent within the family to the present owner.
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE WEST COAST COLLECTION

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. 20 - 21 March 2014, New York, Rockefeller Plaza - www.christies.com