A WHITE JADE CARVING OF A MYTHICAL BEAST MING DYNASTY

finely carved in the form of a recumbent mythical beast resting on its haunches with paws accented by sharp talons, its head turned sharply over the shoulder, grasping a spray of lotus and acanthus leaves between its jaws, the facial features well defined with bulging eyes below a single horn at the forehead between pointed ears and finely incised mane falling down the neck, with a knobbly spine sweeping back to a curling bifurcated tail, the stone of a soft grey tone mottled with dark brown splashes 

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 114.
Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 148.

The carving is in very good condition. There are natural veins running through the stone. The colour of the stone is slightly more celadon grey than the illustration depicts.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present piece is outstanding for the exceptional depth and quality of carving. While the figure embodies elements characteristic of carved Ming mythical creatures, such as the almost deliberately archaistic style of the dramatic pose, exaggerated features, decorated tail and choice of mottled stone, the carver's dexterity with the medium is apparent in the intricately detailed paws, mane and floral spray. As many of these jade carvings were based upon illustrations in contemporary woodblock print manuals, such as the Cheng shi moyuan (Ink Impressions of Cheng) (1606), the piece also reveals the ability of the carver to transform such prints into remarkably naturalistic three-dimensional figures.     

While it was common for animals to be depicted holding a floral spray in their mouth, the present carving is also notable for the combination of the two decorative motifs: the traditional Chinese lotus and Western acanthus. The acanthus, which is thought to represent longevity and is one of the oldest flowers in the Mediterranean area, became a popular motif for floral decoration during the Ming period. It is often seen attached to a scrolling flower, such as a peony or lotus as in the present example.

For a closely related carving, but with the creature holding a peony and acanthus spray, see one from the Guan-fu collection, included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 55. A related carving, without stalks of plants in its mouth, was sold in our New York rooms, 3^rd December 1986, lot 13.