Page 281 - Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art II

ANOTHER PROPERTY (another view)
2429
A GREYISH-WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A MYTHICAL BEAST, LONGMA
18TH CENTURY

The recumbent beast with head turned backwards is fnely carved
with the scaly skin of a dragon and carrying sash-tied scrolls on its
back, atop frothing waves. The stone is of mottled grey and white
tone.
4º in. (10.5 cm.) wide

$20,000-30,000

The longma is an auspicious creature that, according to legend, is said to
represent gratitude.

For a jade example of a horse carrying books, see The Complete Collection
of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl.
90; and another example in the Hartman Collection, illustrated by Robert
Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman,
Hong Kong, 1996, p. 245, pl. 194., and sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28
November 2005, lot 1419.

清十八世紀 灰白玉雕龍馬擺件

279