A GREENISH-WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE

CHINA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

Details

A GREENISH-WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE
CHINA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Shown with head turned sharply backwards and the right foreleg bent up at the knee, the stone of greenish-white tone with some opaque and brown mottling
6 ¼ in. (15.9 cm.) long

Provenance

The James and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection, Chicago, acquired prior to 1990.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Vicki Paloympis

alsdorfcollection@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 powerful 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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