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A Large White and Russet Jade Mythical Beast

About the Item

This splendid carving of a recumbent mythical beast is a jade masterwork. The mythical beast raises its head, gazing upward and forward. The beast is poised as though ready for action, its powerful muscular legs supporting its weight. The large, round eyes widen, its eyebrow curving downward. The nose, straight and elongated, features round nostrils for breathing. The mouth opens, revealing well-aligned teeth and an outstretched tongue. The creature’s face exhibits a layered cheek structure, with three tiers of carp gills. A finely incised beard adorns its jaw; under the chin, a meticulously crafted goatee adds to its mystique. Behind the head, three branches of deer horns curve downward, their decorative patterns enhancing the beast’s regal appearance, with elongated tear-shaped ears on each side of the horns. The tail of this mythical creature resembles that of a carp, gracefully curving toward its body. Each foot bears four claws, firmly planted on the ground. In Chinese, deer is pronounce lu, which is also the sound of a word that mean good fortune. Therefore, deer represent success and abundance. Deer also embody grace and gentleness. In folk culture, carp is associated with abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. Taoism regards the carp as a symbol of free-flowing life and constant change, representing the cosmic Tao. The stone is a greyish white color with warm russet veins. Dimensions Length 18 x Width 9.5 x Height 11.5 cm Weight: 4.2 lbs During the Qing Dynasty, specifically the Qianlong period, Emperor QianLong’s passion for jade and antiques led artists to create archaic jade art that revived the artistic heights achieved during the Han Dynasty. One similar example of an archaic Han mythical beast made during the Qianlong period was sold at Sotheby’s. More examples can be seen in the slideshow below (photos G and H). Photo G is from the collection of the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. Provenance — purchased from a Florida antique dealer in 2014. This antique dealer acquired this piece from a collector that purchased it from London in the 1970s. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to the condition and must understand that any statement made by Luxury Jewelry & Jade Art is merely a subjective opinion.
  • Creator:
  • Weight:
    4.2 lbs
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.53 in (115 mm)Width: 3.75 in (95 mm)Length: 7.09 in (180 mm)
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Qing Dynasty
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    San Diego, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4097222935562

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