A pale green jade carving of a sailing boat with crew

19th century

19th century
Carved in full sail and with flags blowing in the wind, two oarsmen on either side row the boat, their oars dipping into the finely carved waves, another figure holds a fish ready to put in the basket, one figure hoists the sails while another holds a flag at the bow, the stone of light green-celadon tone with some cloudy inclusions. 16.5cm (6 1/2in) long.

Provenance: a distinguished European private collection, acquired by the grandparents of the present owner and thence by descent

Compare with a jade carving of a boat, late Qing dynasty, which was sold at Sotheby's New York, 17 March 2009, lot 44.