QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

Details

A PALE GREENISH-WHITE AND RUSSET JADE CARVING OF TWO HORSES
QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)
The two recumbent horses are shown side-by-side with their legs tucked under their bodies and their heads turned towards each other. Their manes and tails are detailed with fine hair markings. The well-polished stone is of even pale greenish-white color with a few areas of added pale russet color.
5 5/8 in. (14.2 cm.) long

Provenance

Spink & Sons Ltd., London, 1992.
The Gerard Arnhold (1918-2010) Collection, São Paolo.

Brought to you by

Olivia Hamilton

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

As symbols of speed and strength, horses have been favored in Chinese art for their prestige and masculine presence. Horses are also depicted as metaphors for the fine qualities of good officials, and embody the wish for immediate success. The present carving could very likely be a scholar's object, such as a paper weight, made for the literati or for those who wish to join the literati circle.

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