- 3329
A WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT MYTHICAL BEAST MING DYNASTY
Description
- jade
Provenance
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th October 2008, lot 2316.
Exhibited
Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 148.
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
While it is relatively common to find animals depicted holding a floral spray in their mouth, the present carving is also notable for the combination of the two decorative motifs: the traditional Chinese lotus and Western acanthus. The acanthus, which is thought to represent longevity and is one of the oldest flowers in the Mediterranean area, became a popular motif for floral decoration during the Ming period. It is often seen attached to a scrolling flower, such as a peony or lotus as in the present example.
For a closely related carving, but with the creature holding a peony and acanthus spray, see one from the Guan-fu Collection, included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 55. A related carving, without stalks of plants in its mouth, was sold in our New York rooms, 3rd December 1986, lot 13.