A VERY RARE ROCK CRYSTAL FIGURE OF A CHIMERA

PROPERTY OF A FAR EASTERN COLLECTOR

Details

A VERY RARE ROCK CRYSTAL FIGURE OF A CHIMERA
SIX DYNASTIES

The slender figure carved resting on one knee, its trifurcated tail rising from between its legs, one paw resting on its haunches, the other raised behind its head, the snarling beast with jaws open wide exposing teeth and tongue below a wide snout, bulging eyes and long single horn, the wings lightly incised with straight lines simulating feathers, the clear stone with russet and ochre patination, minute chip to edge
2 1/8in. (5.4cm.) high

Lot Essay

Compare the very similar chimera included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition, In Pursuit of Antiquities, Hong Kong Museum of Art, December 22, 1995-February 18, 1996, Catalogue, no. 60 and another in the exhibition, Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, April 19, 1996-July 14, 1996, Catalogue, no. 60