MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

The unusual, flat, broad head of this animal and the square shape of its jaw are similar to that of another white jade mythical animal shown with its cub in the collection of W. P. Chung, illustrated by Ip Yee, Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1983, pp. 168-69, no. 155, where it is dated late Ming. Also illustrated, pp. 156-7, no. 143, is another white jade mythical animal with a cub, dated Song or later, shown in a similar position and with C-scroll flames on the haunches and a somewhat square profile to the head.