Lot Essay
This compact and powerfully carved mythical beast must be viewed from all angles to appreciate fully its sculptural quality and distinct character.
The swirling cloud base is a jade carving convention associated with Daoism that may date to the Yuan dynasty.
An interesting comparison can be made between the present lots and a bronze mythical beast weight illustrated by Moss and Tsang Arts from the Scholar's Studio, no. 195. The authors refer to the dual function of these "bronze and jade" paper weights which can also be used as brush rests. It can be seen from the form of the beast that the Godfrey jade could also be used as brush rest.
The swirling cloud base is a jade carving convention associated with Daoism that may date to the Yuan dynasty.
An interesting comparison can be made between the present lots and a bronze mythical beast weight illustrated by Moss and Tsang Arts from the Scholar's Studio, no. 195. The authors refer to the dual function of these "bronze and jade" paper weights which can also be used as brush rests. It can be seen from the form of the beast that the Godfrey jade could also be used as brush rest.