清乾隆 白玉喜報平安喜鵲擺件

The magpie is associated with happiness and joyful events in the Chinese culture. The present jade magpie bearing an auspicious inscription incised on the belly appears to be very rare. See another pale celadon jade group of 'magpies and prunus', dated 18th-19th century, sold in Christie's Paris, 21-22 June 2016, lot 164. Also see a pair of jade 'magpie' boxes and covers, dated 18th-19th century, sold in Christie's London, 5 November 2019, lot 40.