Lot 3130. A group of three jade carvings of recumbent rams, Ming dynasty (1368-1644) or earlier; The largest, 2 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 350,000 - HKD 500,000. Price realised HKD 437,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Each of the rams is carved with its legs tucked beneath its body and its head looking forward. The first stone is of a yellow and dark brown tone; the second stone is of a white tone with some darker streaky inclusions; the third stone is of an even pale celadon tone, one zitan stand, box. 

Note: Compare the current carvings to a group of three jade rams dating to the Song dynasty (960-1279) in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Jade in the National Palace Museum: supplement', Taipei, 1976, no. 23. 

CHRISTIE'S. THE IMPERIAL SALE & IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 3 June 2015, Convention Hall