Page 32 - Fine Chinese Art Christies London May 2018

47
A GROUP OF THREE ARCHAISTIC JADE
CARVINGS
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) OR EARLIER
The group comprises a celadon and grey jade
fgure of a bixie crouched in attacking position; a
pale celadon and altered jade openwork plaque
carved as a dragon; and a pale celadon and
altered jade openwork plaque carved as a stylised
mythical beast’s head.
The largest 1æ in. (4.4 cm.) long (3)
PROVENANCE
Formerly in a private English collection.
£4,000-6,000 $5,700-8,400
€4,600-6,900

明或更早 仿古玉雕一組三件
來源: 英國私人舊藏 (3)

47

48
A YELLOW JADE CARVING OF A
MYTHICAL BEAST, BIXIE
QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)
The beast is carved in a crouched stance on four
clawed feet with its head turned to the side. The
pair of wings folded on its back and its tripartite
tail are fnely detailed. A horn is carved between
between its ears. The stone is of a yellowish-green
tone and has a chestnut brown inclusion to the
front of the beast’s face and its front paw.
3¡ in. (8.5 cm.) long
£6,000-8,000 $8,500-11,000
€6,900-9,200

The mythical beast bixie has distinctive features
48 characterised by a pair of wings on the back,
a horn on the head and the body of a lion. This
auspicious animal is believed to be capable of
warding of evil spirits and bringing blessings as
well as protection to the possessor, and has been
a popular subject for jade carvings throughout the
history of material culture in China.
清 黃玉辟邪

30 Other fees apply in addition to the hammer price – see Section D of our Conditions of Sale at the back of this Catalogue