PROPERTIES FROM A FRENCH COLLECTOR OF JADE CARVINGS AND SNUFFBOTTLES A POSSIBLY SUZHOU AGATE GROUP CARVING OF A BOY RIDING A SEA-MONSTER WITH THE INSCRIPTION DÚZHÀN'ÁOTÓU - 独占鳌头 - GAIN THE FIRST RANK AT IMPERIAL EXAMINATIONS CHINA, MAYBE QING DYNASTY AND 18TH TO 19TH CENTURY This piece has been carved out of a mostly two-color agate, i.e. dark black and light brown with honey accents. It represents a young boy riding a swimming catfish and with further auspicious symbols such as a bound parcel of books and a double-gourd. It also has an inscription carved on its back reading ‘dúzhàn'áotóu’ (独占鳌头), i.e. roughly ‘may you be ranked first at imperial examinations’. Offered at auction together with a matching collector wooden stand open-worked with crashing waves that perfectly matches the iconography. L: 4,7 cm Weight: 33,6 grams Provenance: Property from a French collector: a collection of jade and stone carvings and snuff bottles assembled over two decades. Pieces either bought privately or at public auction. Notes: 1. The primary meaning of the inscription is ‘to stand alone on the head of the ao’ (occupying alone the sea-monster's head). Though, it may be understood as a wish to be ranked first at the imperial examinations. 2. Compare with a small Suzhou agate openwork pendant adorned with a monkey and also bearing an inscription from the Lizzadro Collection, Chicago, USA, sold at CHRISTIE’S New York, USA, 2013-09-19, lot 1198, for USD 37,500. 苏州玛瑙玉雕组-骑海兽的童子 - 独占鳌头 中国，可能为清代，18-19世纪 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.