PROPERTIES FROM A NOTED COLLECTION OF JADES AND SNUFFBOTTLES *AN IMPORTANT AND RARE WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A DAOSHI 道士 CHINA, ATTRIBUTED TO SONG DYNASTY OR LATER The Daoshi, or Daoist Priest is rare or possibly unique, depicted standing and wearing a loose robe tied at the waist with a belt and wearing an archetypal hat. His right hand is gripping his belt, his left hand is holding a fly-whisk also known as a ‘Fúchén’, (拂尘), his head is turned to one side, sensitively carved in the round from white jade, the stone of even white tone. H: 5,3 cm Weight: 27,5 grams Provenance (by repute): - a private collection in Brittany, France; - a private collection, Canada, acquired from the above. Notes: 1. The Daoshi is an ordained priest of Taoism and during the Song dynasty such people were some of the most influential and powerful in society. The elite Daoshi had access to the most sacred teachings and texts and they performed the most sacred rituals meant to discern or change the course of fate. It is known that during the Song Dynasty, Taoism went through a renaissance of sorts, Emperors were actively involved in promoting Taoism including collecting and studying Taoist texts and publishing new editions of the Daozang, (道藏), or 'Taoist Canon', consisting of approx 1,400 important Taoist texts. 2. It is remarkable that the carver has pushed the limits of the stone to precariously and exceptionally carve the thin round handle of the fly-whisk in such a manner. 3. The size, the subject matter, the archetypal hat and robes as well as the carving technique and choice of stone all appear consistent with a Song Dynasty date. IMPORTANT NOTICE: *This lot is under temporary importation. An extra VAT will be applied to the final invoice. The rate will depend on the final country of destination. The sole buyers based in Ireland will be subject to an extra 13,5% VAT. Please contact our office (yuchen@adams.ie) for further information. 罕见玉雕“道士” 中国，可能为宋或元朝 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.