A WHITE JADE GROUP OF TWO CATS WITH A BUTTERFLY 玉耄耋 CHINA, POSSIBLY QING DYNASTY Carved out of an almost flawless stone with a recumbent larger cat and another one climbing up its back, a butterfly next to its face. H: 3,8 cm - L: 5,6 cm - width: 2,5 cm Weight: 67,7 grams Note: 1. This peculiar subject became popular during the late Ming Dynasty when the art market developed. The reasons for this success is that both cats and butterflies convey special meanings. Indeed, the term cat (猫 māo) is pronounced phonetically similar to the character Mao (耄 mào), which means octogenarian while the second syllable of the word for butterfly (蝴蝶 hú dié) is a homophone for septuagenarian, Die (耋 dié). The combination of Mao and Die expresses the desire that someone could reach an old age. 2. See a related jade ‘cat and butterfly’ group sold at SOTHEBY’S Hong Kong, China, 2013-05-29, lot 2354. 白玉雕刻双猫戏蝴蝶- 玉耄耋 中国 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.