A PALE GREEN JADE CARVING OF A MYTHICAL BEAST 17th/18th...
THE PROPERTY OF AN ENGLISH FAMILY 英格蘭家族藏品
A PALE GREEN JADE CARVING OF A MYTHICAL BEAST
17th/18th century
Crisply carved in a crouching position with legs tucked beneath the body, the forward-facing head with large bulbous eyes and ruyi-shaped snout beneath prominent brow and a single curled horn, clasping in its jaws a sprig of lingzhi extending down the back of the beast terminating with a bifurcated tail, the stone of even pale green tone. 10.4cm (4 1/8in) long.
十七/十八世紀 青玉雕瑞獸銜靈芝擺件
Provenance: Harry and Isabel Johnston, Liverpool, purchased in London in the early 1900s, and thence by descent
來源： Harry和Isabel Johnston伉儷，利物浦，1900年代初期購於倫敦，並由後人保存迄今
The present lot depicts a luduan, a legendary creature in Chinese mythology renowned for its ability to discern truth from falsehood. Its mythical role as a guardian against deceit has cemented its presence in Chinese art and literature throughout history. In Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, Part IV, section 26, London, 1995, J.Rawson observes a transformation in the depiction of mythical creatures carved in jade over time. Initially resembling tomb sculptures with their imposing forms and protective symbolism, these early jades evolved into prized possessions of scholars and officials during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Rather than emphasizing protective attributes, the jade mythical beasts of this period were crafted for luxurious display and refined appreciation. The piece under discussion exemplifies this shift, as its intricate detailing of claws, tail, and lotus demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship. Moreover, its softer features, such as the elongated horns, coupled with playful expression, particularly around the eyes, highlight the virtuoso carving and lively charm characteristic of later jade artworks.
See a related pale green and russet jade carving of a mythical beast, Ming dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams London, 18 May 2023, lot 88; See also another pale green and russet jade carving of a mythical beast, 17th/18th century, which was sold at Bonhams London, 16 May 2019, lot 57; and another related large pale green jade mythical beast, 18th century, which was sold at Bonhams London, 10 November 2011, lot 369.
Bid on this lot
THE PROPERTY OF AN ENGLISH FAMILY 英格蘭家族藏品
A PALE GREEN JADE CARVING OF A MYTHICAL BEAST
17th/18th century
Crisply carved in a crouching position with legs tucked beneath the body, the forward-facing head with large bulbous eyes and ruyi-shaped snout beneath prominent brow and a single curled horn, clasping in its jaws a sprig of lingzhi extending down the back of the beast terminating with a bifurcated tail, the stone of even pale green tone. 10.4cm (4 1/8in) long.
十七/十八世紀 青玉雕瑞獸銜靈芝擺件
Provenance: Harry and Isabel Johnston, Liverpool, purchased in London in the early 1900s, and thence by descent
來源： Harry和Isabel Johnston伉儷，利物浦，1900年代初期購於倫敦，並由後人保存迄今
The present lot depicts a luduan, a legendary creature in Chinese mythology renowned for its ability to discern truth from falsehood. Its mythical role as a guardian against deceit has cemented its presence in Chinese art and literature throughout history. In Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, Part IV, section 26, London, 1995, J.Rawson observes a transformation in the depiction of mythical creatures carved in jade over time. Initially resembling tomb sculptures with their imposing forms and protective symbolism, these early jades evolved into prized possessions of scholars and officials during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Rather than emphasizing protective attributes, the jade mythical beasts of this period were crafted for luxurious display and refined appreciation. The piece under discussion exemplifies this shift, as its intricate detailing of claws, tail, and lotus demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship. Moreover, its softer features, such as the elongated horns, coupled with playful expression, particularly around the eyes, highlight the virtuoso carving and lively charm characteristic of later jade artworks.
See a related pale green and russet jade carving of a mythical beast, Ming dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams London, 18 May 2023, lot 88; See also another pale green and russet jade carving of a mythical beast, 17th/18th century, which was sold at Bonhams London, 16 May 2019, lot 57; and another related large pale green jade mythical beast, 18th century, which was sold at Bonhams London, 10 November 2011, lot 369.
