Lot 43. A finely carved pale green jade magpie, Mid-Qing Dynasty; 14.8cm (5 3/4in) long. Estimate HK$ 150,000-250,000. Sold for HK$ 525,000 (€ 62,375). Courtesy Bonhams.

Carved recumbent with head twisted right looking backwards, its wings and talons tucked snugly and feathers finely incised, its curved beak biting on a leafy stem with blossoming plum blossoms, the stone of an even pale green tone, wood stand.

Provenance: Elizabeth Julia Wallace Waller (1863-1919) collection, Chicago, and thence by descent.

Note: According to ancient beliefs, magpies are believed to be birds of prophecy who supposedly could future events, as magpies announce the arrival of guests. Magpies are known as the 'bird of joy' or 'bird of happiness', as its name 喜鵲 xique is a pun for joy and happiness 喜 xi. Together with plum blossoms 梅 mei, which is the symbol for spring 春 chun, they form the meaning of 'joyfully announcing the arrival of spring', 喜報春先 xibao chunxian. The plum blossoms are the first tree to bloom in late winter and early spring, representing the happiness of springtime and rejuvenation in old age.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 3 December 2015