A white and russet jade figure of a carp, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆　白玉鯉魚把件

The fish is rendered with a full and rounded form with a sense of solidity and weight. Its curving lines fit comfortably in the palm, smooth to touch and perfectly sized, demonstrating the artisan’s exceptional skill. The fine craftsmanship is especially evident in details such as the scales and tail fin, which provide further delight when held and appreciated in the hand. 

This jade carving is imbued with auspicious symbolism, the pairing of fish and lotus signifying a wish for abundance and harmony through the years. The carp is celebrated in Chinese culture as an emblem of prosperity, success, and perseverance; its legendary leap over the Dragon Gate transforms it into a dragon, a potent image of achievement. The Chinese word for fish, yu, is also homophonous with 'abundance', while the lotus, he, forms a rebus for 'harmony' and is admired for its ability to rise in purity above the muddy waters. Together, this motif embodies the wish for perpetual abundance, peace and harmonious renewal.

Compare also a slightly smaller white and russet jade figure of a plump fish, formerly in the collection of Stephen Junkunc III, sold in our New York rooms, 22nd September 2020, lot 206. 

本玉雕精工巧作，盡用原玉良材。鯉魚圓潤豐滿，敦厚穩重，與蓮相偕，取連年有餘、和諧圓滿之吉兆。玉質溫潤可觸，尺寸得宜，把玩手中尤其可喜。魚鱗、魚尾等細節處尤見精工，並巧用玉皮入雕，盡顯玉匠精妙巧藝。可參考一相類例，為瓊肯三世舊藏，售於紐約蘇富比2019年9月22日，編號206。