Lot 250. A pale celadon jade carving of a crab, Qing dynasty, 17th-18th century; length 4 in., 10.2 cm. Est. 50,000 — 70,000 USD. Lot sold 62,500 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

finely carved in the round as a crab from a pale celadon stone utilizing the russet inclusions to enhance the carving, realistically rendered with eight limbs and two large pinchers, wreathed by long slender bending stems bearing a bloom, pod and pad of lotus and an ear of millet, wood stand (2).

Provenance: Collection of Edward T. Chow.

Note: The carving forms a wish for harmony, 'hexie', formed by the rebus of the crab, xie, stalks of millet, he or sui, lotus leaf,heye. It also can mean "May you have a harmonious marriage year after year," (suisui hexie). The piece was intended as a wedding gift. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 16 Sep 09. New York.