A GREY JADE MYTHICAL BEAST

MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

LENGTH: 9.5CM

The bifid-horned mythical beast is rendered in recumbent form, with legs tucked under its body and its head turned backwards, exposing wide bulging eyes and bushy eyebrows clutching between its teeth a leafy branch issuing three lingzhis. The pebble is of overall translucent grey colour suffused with dark grey veins.

SIMILAR EXAMPLE
A jade mythical beast of similar period and jade material is published in Chinese Jade Animals, 1996, pp. 136-7, Catalogue No. 114

PROVENANCE
Lord & Lady Cunliffe Collection, UK

明代　灰玉瑞獸把件