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.
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The stone is almost flawless and of bright white tone.
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Length: 7.5 cm, 3 Ì‹ Inches
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Provenance: Private Belgian Collection
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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
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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.