A white jade Mythical Beast, Qing dynasty 17/18th c., the recumbent beast formed nicely from a quartered mutton fat white jade pebble, the beast is shown wtih one horn on it's head, two sideswept ears, bulbous eyes and a flattned nose and jade, nose forming a stylized lingzhi, the body with strong definition to depict body strong body shape, the hindquarters with a bifurcated tail, the beast is grasping a lingzhi branch which is elegantly carved to show gnarls and a leaf along with the mushroom (Lingzhi), the stone of an even milky white texture with natural russet highlights to one side, wood stand. 2 3/8" L., 6cm.

Provenance: From A Montreal Collector Lot Notes: Jade beasts such as this were carved with lifelike and supernatural characteristics because they sat as a friend on a scholar's desk. Typically an animal such as this would be used as a brush-rest. Many such scholars desk set's and treasure boxes are preserved in the Place Museum in Taipei. This elaborate tradition employing small jade animals such as this was observed by only the highest officials and especially Emperor Qianlong himself who was a tireless collector of small jade curios. The style observed here is typical of the highest level works produced at the end of Ming in the first half of the 17th century however many of these stylistic traditions continued until the Qianlong period so it it is difficult to specify. It is well known that this type of material was very rare and expensive especially before the later Qianlong period.

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The absence of a condition report does not imply good or bad condition however a condition report may be requested as additional information about any lot. Please understand that any statement about condition is provided to a prospective buyer as a courtesy and prospective buyer is encouraged to have a professional restorer or art conservator evaluate lots and their respective condition to make sure they meet any particular expectations. All lots are sold as-is where is. Please note this Sale is conducted in USD. All Canadian customers will have the option of paying the CAD equivalent. Keywords: Chinese imperial gilt bronze jade nephrite jadeite antique Beijing Shanghai Qing ming qianlong