Page 9 - Sotheby's May 10th 2017 London Animal Menagerie, Chinese Art

Animals have a unique place in the human consciousness
and experience across cultures, geographies and history.
Every culture ascribes characteristics to our fellow creatures
and the Chinese culture is no exception, perhaps being one
of the most thoughtful and creative in these attributions.
This collection, formed in England during the last half
century with an eye to the wide variety of creatures, forms
and materials used to depict them, is more whimsical than
philosophical, yet charmingly shows a respect for the original
artistic intent mixed with an admiration of the qualities of the
creatures themselves.