A CHINESE YELLOWISH - WHITE AND RUSSET JADE ELEPHANT, MING DYNASTY (1644 - 1911)

拍品描述

A CHINESE YELLOWISH - WHITE AND RUSSET JADE ELEPHANT, MING DYNASTY (1644 - 1911) The elephant is carved from a single large jade pebble, the elephant is rendered in a naturalistic and highly evocative manner. Shown recumbent with its head turned back over its shoulder, the animal possesses a well-rounded, compact body that is defined by only a few simple incised lines. The tail curves neatly against the hind leg and is indicated with shallow engraving. In contrast, the head is more meticulously detailed, featuring carefully carved eyes and ears, a gently curving trunk, and a pair of long tusks.The use of a large river pebble, skilfully worked to preserve and enhance its natural form, is a distinctive characteristic of Ming dynasty jade carving, reflecting the period's appreciation for the innate beauty of the material and the sculptor's ability to harmonise artistic conception with the stone's original contours. It's with a fitted box. A similar white jade elephant, also carved from a single pebble, dated in the same period, see Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 157, pp. 168 - 169. 13cm wide; 6.5cm high PROVENANCE: A private collection, Sydney.

图片