18TH CENTURY

Horses were depicted in jade as early as the Tang dynasty (AD 618-907) and continued to be a favored subject into the Qing period. As a symbol of speed and strength they are depicted as metaphors for the fine qualities expected in good officials, and embody the wish for immediate success. During the 18^th century the finest carvings of horses, as well as other animals and birds, were executed in white jade of the highest quality. This can be seen in a carving of two horses shown seated beside and looking at each other in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - 42 - Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, p. 109, pl. 89. As with the present figure, the two horses are finely and realistically carved. Another white jade example of smaller size (4 cm.) that depicts a horse curled up on its side as it bites one of its hind legs is illustrated in Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1996, pp. 182-83, no. 175. The present figure stands out for its exquisite and sensitive carving as well the purity of its white color and fine polish.