JIN-YUAN DYNASTY (1115-1368)

The Kalaviṅka, translated as 'miaoyinniao', is a creature with a human head and a bird's body. According to Buddhist legend, the Kalaviṅka is renowned for its exquisitely melodious voice, which is said to be capable of propagating Buddhist scriptures.

A closely related carving from the Guan-fu Collection was included in the Asia Society exhibition in 1980, and is illustrated by James Watt in Chinese Jades from Han to Ch’ing, New York, 1980, no. 75.