A White Jade Mythical Beast

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...

This fabulous beast with its head turned around has been carved out of a pale celadon hetian jade. The beast looks over its shoulder with shining round eyes. Its mouth is open, sho...

Carved from pale celadon jade, this two-sided Ming Dynasty piece features a butterfly with curling, cloud-like wings and a grid-and-star pattern. Fine l...

This is a Hetian jade pendant of a mythical animal with a network of clouds above it. The animal appears to have a large head with tear-shaped ears, and curvy eyebrows. On its side...

Please check out the HD video! For your consideration is a certified natural nephrite jade. This jade carving is of a Chinese mythical beast or creature. Traditionally Chinese mythical creatures are regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing wealth from all directions. The famous Hetian nephrite jade carving...

Please check out the HD video! For your consideration is a certified natural nephrite jade. This jade carving is of a Chinese mythical beast or creature. Traditionally Chinese mythical creatures are regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing wealth from all directions. The famous Hetian nephrite jade carving...

For your consideration is a certified natural nephrite jade. This jade carving is of a Chinese mythical beast or creature of high quality. Traditionally Chinese mythical creatures are regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing wealth from all directions. The famous Hetian nephrite jade carving...

Please check out the HD video! This master piece is certified by 2 laboratories. This piece is not only a true Mutton Fat white Hetian Jade, it is also carved by a master jade carver. Look at the carving of this beautiful lady. it is out of this world. The lines, the proportions and the depth of field is amazing. It also has superb "hand feel". Master 于士榮 is well know and famous in the carving and art community. You can google his name to see some if his works and the many international awards that he has won. (Sorry it is only in Chinese) The rarity of this is of two factors. One is finding the material to carve. Mutton Fat white jade...