Lot 3347. A large pale celadon and russet jade carving of a mandarin fish, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm.) long. Estimate 750,000 - HKD 1,200,000. Price realised HKD 1,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014.  

The fish is carved in the round swimming amongst trailing lotus stems and flowers, all upon a bed of swirling waves. The carving is enhanced by incised details to the scales and waves. The stone is of an even tone with areas of russet highlights, box.

Note: This carving is rich in auspicious symbolism. The word for fish in Chinese,yu, provides a homonym for 'abundance' while the lotus it grasps in its mouth,he, provides a rebus for 'harmony'. This carving therefore promises abundant peace.

This piece compares very closely with a jade carving of a carp amongst waves from the B.S. McElney Collection, illustrated in J. Watt, Chinese Jades from the Ming to the Ch'ing, The Asia Society, 1980, p. 103, no. 90, illustration on p. 106; and a carp amongst lotus as illustrated in B. Morgan, Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection, London, 1995, no. 75.