A RARE AND FINE WHITE JADE 'CRANE' GROUP

The attention to detail in the carving of this group and clarity of the material is exceptional in view of its unusually large size.

The cranes, peach and lingzhi fungus are all symbols of long life and immortality, because of their association with Daoism, and in particular, with the god of longevity, Shoulao. The crane is also symbolic of wisdom, while a pair of cranes may also constitute a wish for a long marriage.

Cf. another smaller jade group of cranes also from the Hartman Collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 November 2006, lot 1400.