LATE MING/EARLY QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

Details

A CELADON AND RUSSET JADE 'DEER AND BADGER' GROUP
LATE MING/EARLY QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY
The jade is carved in the round in the form of a recumbent deer, with antlers resting on its back and body carved with star-shaped spots, grasping a long spray of lingzhi bearing large leaves and a bat hovering amongst the branches. There are two badgers reclining against the deer, one of which is picked out from the russet area of the stone, its head upturned to grasp a chrysanthemum spray. The stone is of a pale celadon tone with concentrated areas of russet tone.
3 7/8 in. (10 cm.) long

Lot Essay

The deer with a star-studded coat is frequently depicted with Shoulao in Chinese art, and is regarded as a symbol of longevity; as well as homophonous to emolument, lu. The badger in Chinese, huan, is a homophone to happiness. Together with the lingzhi, fungus of immortality, and the bat, the present jade carving conveys the auspiciuos wish for joy, wealth and longevity.

More from Through Connoisseurs' Eyes - Works of Art for the Emperor

View All