Chinese Qing Dynasty, carved green jade three sheep. Finely green jade carved unto a model of three sheep, laying on its foot in relaxing position, its four legs bended, the head is facing the right shoulder, another .sheep head facing to the left to see their little lamb. The lamb is climbing up from the hips. Three Sheep referred as SanYang KaiTai, The New-year bringing a change of fortune. These animals are usually shown in groups of three, to form the rebus for "Three yang beget prosperity", or "prosperity in the Spring Time". The jade shows attractive deep sea-green color, with sporadic darker and lighter hues of natural inclusions, displayed moist milky appearance. Displayed upon a carved hardwood stand with slotted grooves for a stable fitment.Measurements: Height 2-5/8" Width: 5-1/2" Weight: 934g Stand Height: 1-1/8" Width: 5-5/8"Lot Notes:In ancient China, a sheep symbolized the concept of justice. Xiezhi was a mystical sheep that sought out people who had committed crimes and would gore them with its horns for punishment. Some tales said that the sheep would eat criminals instead. Some old parts of China still use the sign of a sheep as a mark office for judges. A story about the city of Guangzhou further shows the beneficial nature of the sheep in Chinese culture. During the Zhou dynasty, there was a drought in Guangzhou and the people were starving. Five rainbow-colored sheep came to the city with gifts of new rice plants for the fields. Once they arrived, the rains returned and the crops thrived. The sheep decided to continue protecting the city, turning to stone. Even today, the city is nick-named “The city of the 5 sheep” and there is a statue and temple dedicated to the 5 sheep who saved the city. The Sheep Sign of the Zodiac, In the Chinese zodiac, the eighth symbol is a sheep (though it’s sometimes symbolized with a goat or a ram). 2015 is a sheep year, and so was 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955 and 1943. So anyone born in these years is considered a Sheep when it comes to the zodiac. Sheep are very sensitive people given to flights of fancy and deep creativity. They love things of beauty, and will surround themselves with luxurious items whenever possible. That includes clothes, and you can count on a Sheep to know the latest fashions.