20th C. Chinese Serpentine 2-Wheel Cart + Driver

East Asia, China, ca. 1900 CE. A large, heavy sculpture carved from several fitted pieces of serpentine, depicting a two-wheeled cart with a seated driver. The driver holds two reins made of linked chains, also made of serpentine, that connect to a broad yoke with a fantastical, lion-like face at its center. The carving of the piece is intricate, with decorative patterns on every surface, from the floral motif on the cart's large roof to the crisscross patterns on each of its sides. The cart itself is made of several panels of serpentine slotted neatly into each other. Large wheels with intricate spokes and hubs support it. The wheels rest on two carved pieces of serpentine that look like clouds, giving the viewer the impression that the cart is floating. Size: 11.5" L x 16.8" W x 12.4" H (29.2 cm x 42.7 cm x 31.5 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection, acquired by descent from the owner's father, collection amassed between 1950-1990

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#135988
Condition Report: Small areas of wear commensurate with age, including a few small scratches and chips. Both reins have been repaired where they meet the driver's hands, with some visible adhesive. Light encrustation on surface. One side of the yoke is missing, as is the tip of one of the hubs.