top of page
A MOTTELED JADE CARVED MYTHICAL BEAST
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
The beast is modelled in a recumbent pose with its tail reaching around to rest on its right paw. Its head is turned towards the its right with glaring bulbous circular eyes, bearing its teeth.
Situated at the back of the head is a single horn ending in a tight curl, flanked either side by oblong shaped ears ending at a rounded point.
The presence of a single horn suggests that the beast is a Tianlu. The Tianlu is a mythical beast held in high regard with the belief that it brings prosperity and wards off evil.
​
The stone is of greyish tone with dark veins throughout.
​
Length: 5.7 cm, 2 1⁄4 Ì‹ Inches
​
Provenance: From a prominent Chicago artist circa 1945 and thence by decent.
bottom of page