A FINELY CARVED GREENISH-WHITE AND RUSSET JADE BOULDER

17TH/18TH CENTURY

Details

A FINELY CARVED GREENISH-WHITE AND RUSSET JADE BOULDER
17TH/18TH CENTURY
Of irregular shape, crisply carved on one side with two deer on a rocky outcropping beneath vine-hung pine and wutong trees and amidst clusters of lingzhi, the reverse similarly carved with two cranes beneath scrolling clouds amidst pine and lingzhi, with nandina carved on the broad end, the stone of pale greenish-white color retaining some russet skin
7¼ in. (18.5 cm.) long, wood stand

Provenance

Christie's, London, 10 December 1990, lot 215.
Spink & Son, Ltd., London.

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Lot Essay

The choice of decoration seen on the present jade boulder conveys a strong wish for longevity. Deer and cranes are both symbols of longevity, and are known to accompany Shoulao, the god of Longevity. Deer are also considered to be the only animal capable of finding the magical lingzhi fungus, said to grant immortality to those who consume it. On the present jade boulder, both animals are seen amidst pine trees, a further symbol of longevity, as the pine retains its green color year round. It is therefore quite possible that the present boulder may have been commissioned or gifted on the occasion of a birthday, to convey to the recipient a wish for a long, full life.

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