A PALE GREEN JADE CARVING OF A MYTHICAL BEAST AND CUB
17th/18th century
The single-horned beast carved in a recumbent position, featuring bulbous eyes beneath bushy brows and finely incised mane, the head resting on the front paws and turning to the right, the accompanying cub turning back to gaze at the larger, the stone of pale green tone with light russet striations and white inclusions, wood stand. 7.8cm (3in) long
Footnotes:
十七/十八世紀 青玉雕子母瑞獸把件

The auspicious creatures featured here are luduan, traditionally ascribed with the ability to discern truth and travel over great distances within a very short time.

Compare with a similar white jade 'mythical beast and cub' group, 18th/19th century, which was sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 20th September 2023, lot 50.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y
Y Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the UK, see clause 13.

Nicks, small shallow chips to the extremities, scratches and natural stone flaws.