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PROPERTY OF AN ENGLISH GENTLEMAN (another view)

1021
A WHITE JADE CARVING OF TWO HORSES

18TH CENTURY
The two recumbent horses are shown with their legs tucked under their bodies and
their heads turned towards each other. Their manes and tails are detailed with hair
markings. The semi-translucent stone is of even white color and well polished.
2æ in. (7 cm.) long, cloth box

$30,000-40,000

PROVENANCE

Christie’s New York, 16 September 1998, lot 161 (part).
Mr. O.J.R. Allen Collection.
Marchant & Son, London.

LITERATURE

Marchant, Jades from Mr. O.J.R. Allen Collection, 2013, no. 29, pp. 62-63.

As symbols of speed and strength, horses have been favored in Chinese paintings for
their prestige and masculine presence. Horses are also depicted as metaphors for
the fne qualities of good oficials, and embody the wish for immediate success. The
present carving could very likely be a scholar’s object, such as a paper weight, made
for the literati or for those who wish to join to the literati circle.
清十八世紀 白玉雙駿把件

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