A FINE CARVED WHITE JADE MYTHICAL BEAST AND CUB
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
The animal is shown standing strong and proud, the head bearing slightly towards its right with upward curling brows, a ruyi-shaped nose, bulbous eyes and tufted flowing beard. Four legs, each defined at the thigh by a scrolling Greek key fret border.
A playful cub is depicted pawing and looking up to the creature highlighting the strong bond between the two animals.
The stone is almost flawless and of bright white tone.
Length: 7.5 cm, 3 ̋ Inches
Provenance: Private Belgian Collection
For a similar white jade mythical beast group see Morgan Brian with a contribution by Boqian Li, Naturalism & Archaism: Chinese Jades from the Kirknorton Collection (Carter Fine Art Limited 1995) no.53, p.44
For another similar white jade mythical beast with key fret design, see China Guardian HK 2016 Autumn Auctions, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Lot 1200.