Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17
Six Dynasties Jade Mythological Beast
$9,500
£7,235.28
€8,339.72
CA$13,290.44
A$14,937.57
CHF 7,779.09
MX$181,677.81
NOK 99,543.03
SEK 94,396.12
DKK 62,242.16
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Auspicious beast carved in green jade, Six Dynasties period (220 to 589 A.D.).
The Sixth Dynasties, the period immediately following the Han Dynasty, saw a shift from a profound belief in the afterlife to a more humanistic and Confucian set of principles. Gradually dissociated from animistic properties, jade ornaments in the shapes of the dragon, phoenix, tiger, and eagle, as well as other mythological beasts, took on new interpretations as Confucian gentlemen’s virtues: benevolence, rectitude, wisdom, courage, and integrity.
This animal is one of the auspicious creatures figured in Han funerary art that continued to enjoy popularity in later tomb sculpture. Though lying down, the animal looks poised to spring at any moment, its paws tucked under its chest, the claws prominent, the long tail tightly curled over the left haunch. The emphasis is put on its strength and compressed muscular energy. The head is somewhat dragon-shaped, with a horse-like nose surmounting an open mouth with visible teeth and fangs, the chin adorned with a goat's beard, the hairs denoted by incised lines. Incised lines also suggest tufts of fur on the scruff around the face, on the backs of the legs, and top of the head, with some markings over the eyes recalling eyebrows. The paws have teardrop-shaped pads, and there are some additional decorative patterns on the body. The light green of the jade is extensively mottled with white and tan patches.
Given its complex mineralogical composition, jade is not a “dead” stone, but a material which is alive, whose structure changes over time depending on how it is affected by environmental conditions. Jade interacts with and reacts to light, air, water, fire, and the acidity of the soil. and contact with water, which may percolate inside the jade through natural fractures and fissures in the stone.
Whitening is a common alteration that affects jade as a consequence of a weathering process that may occur over time when jade is buried. The intensity of these phenomena depends on the mineralogical composition of the jade and the natural environment in which it was buried.
- Dimensions:Height: 1.3 in (3.31 cm)Width: 2.38 in (6.05 cm)Depth: 1.13 in (2.88 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:220-589 A.D.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:Seller: 54391stDibs: LU7220243307632
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1977
1stDibs seller since 2022
13 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Atlanta, GA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllSix Dynasties Jade Lion
Located in Atlanta, GA
Six Dynasties (220 A.D. to 589 A.D.) winged lion carved in green jade. This piece was exhibited at the Bauer Collection in Geneva, Switzerland (Nov. 11, 2020 to May 23, 2021) and the...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
$16,750
Han Dynasty Jade Bixie
Located in Atlanta, GA
Han Dynasty Bixie, circa 206 BC to 220 AD, muscularly carved. The creature is depicted crouching on its powerful paws, its head thrown back, jaws open to reveal fangs, wings folded a...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
$17,500
Archaic Jade Bi, Zhou Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
Translucent green and brown jade Bi from the Zhou Dynasty (1046 B.C. to 256 B.C.). The organic shapes created by the blending of these two main colors evoke a flame-like beauty, whil...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antiquities
Materials
Jade
Archaic Jade Bi, Liangzhu Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
Museum-quality Chinese jade Bi from the Liangzhu period (3300-2200 BC). For the Liangzhu, jade was the primary material through which the secular and religious...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antiquities
Materials
Jade
Han Dynasty Jade and Gilt Bronze Pendant with Taotie Mask
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sumptuously mounted carved jade pendant decorated with Taotie mask, with incised gilt bronze fitting, Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.).
This piece, which has four holes in the gil...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade, Bronze
Ming Jarlet with Green Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
Small Ming pottery jarlet with handles and a green glaze. 16th century.
This charming, somewhat rustic piece is like a miniature version of the large earthenware jars used to store ...
Category
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
You May Also Like
Chinese Yellow and Russet Jade Mythical Beast, Ming Dynasty or Earlier
Located in Austin, TX
A superb Chinese yellow and russet nephrite jade carving of a mythical beast, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) or earlier, China
The mythical beast is portrayed with feline features, i...
Category
Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Temple Lion Jade Sculpture
Located in Roma, IT
Chinese jade archaic style "Temple lion" sculpture.
Jade, probably 18th Century.
5 x 20 cm.
Good conditions
Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional ...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Chinese Carved Celadon and Russet Jade Mythical Animal, Ming Dynasty or Earlier
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual carving of a mythical animal, possibly a pixiu, of celadon and russet nephrite jade, Ming Dynasty or earlier, China.
The mythical animal masterfully carved as a...
Category
Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Chinese jade cabbage
Located in New York, NY
jade with apple green tones
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Probably Chinese Jade Stamp, 18th-19th Century
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Probably Chinese jade stamp, 18th-19th century.
Category
Antique 18th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Qing Dynasty Chinese Carved Green Jade Chilong Dragon Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent Chinese carved spinach green jade chilong dragon sculpture, resting on fitted hardwood stand.
Rich deep bright green color with molten shades of lighter pale green, exceptionally carved, with intricate detail throughout. The mythical beast lying ready on all four, head raised, mouth ajar with teeth exposed, wings by its side, spiral scroll incised on hind legs.
Provenance:
Estate of Ali A. Abssi (1934-2020) and Florence Hall Abssi (1919-2014), founders of the Ishtar Gate...
Category
Antique 19th Century Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
