China, c. 1830-1930. Of rectangular form with curved edges to the top and bottom, carved to one side in shallow relief with a scholar resting under a pine and raising his cup while his attendant is pouring a drink, the reverse with a poem written in cursive script, the upper register with confronted kuilong flanking the aperture. The translucent stone of a pale celadon color with cloudy white inclusions.

Inscriptions: One side with a poem, 'The outstanding bravery of the young man Sun Ce is hard to beat. Unfortunately, he is like a fish on the beach. The end is not far off' and signed 'Zigang'.

Provenance: French trade. Acquired from a private family inheritance.
Condition: Fine condition with extensive old wear and few minute nibbles to edges.

Weight: 31.3 g
Dimensions: Size 5.5 x 3.8 cm

Little is known regarding Lu Zigang in contrast with his legendary reputation as the finest Suzhou jade carver. Craig Clunas notes that Lu's name appeared in the 1642 edition of the Gazetteer of Taicang Subprefecture, Taicangzhou Zhi, recording him as a native of this district, 'fifty years ago there was in this prefecture a certain Lu Zigang, whose skill at carving [jade] with the knife remains unsurpassed to the present. Jade hairpins by him sell for fifty or sixty ounces of silver each. The skill was not handed on at Zigang's death'; see Craig Clunas, Superfluous Things. Material Culture and Social Status in Early Modern China, Honolulu, 1991, p. 64.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's New York, 12 September 2018, lot 323
Price: USD 7,500 or approx. EUR 8,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A pale celadon jade plaque, Qing dynasty, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related subject, manner of carving, Zigang signature, and color of the jade. Note the larger size (6.3 cm).