17 cm. （6 5/8 in.） high

Property from the Hongzhen Tang Collection, Hong Kong

Although figural carvings made of organic raw material have been popular throughout all periods of Chinese history, it is considerably rare to find such exquisite carving of an immortal figure on such a large piece of amber. Amber is a hardened honey-yellow and translucent fossilized resin originating from extinct coniferous trees which has been highly sought after since antiquity.

The present lot was formerly in the collection of Gerard Hawthorn, who joined the leading London Asian art dealer Sydney L. Moss Ltd. in 1963, later becoming an independent collector of bamboo, Yixing stoneware and other scholarly works of art； he also consults for art collectors and museums worldwide. The amber figure was then acquired by Robert H. Blumenfield from Los Angeles, recognised for having a discerning eye for high quality Chinese art, and particularly well known for his Dehua porcelain figures.

Provenance：
Gerard Hawthorn Ltd., London, 1999
Robert H. Blumenfield Collection
Christie’s New York, 22 March 2012, lot 1297

Exhibited：
Gerard Hawthorn Ltd., Gods and Mortals, London, 9-20 November 1999, no.23

Price estimate:
HKD: 420, 000 - 520, 000
USD: 53, 800 - 66, 700

Auction Result:
HKD: 495,600