Lot 62. A yellow and russet jade recumbent dog, Ming Dynasty or later; 6cm (2 3/8in) long. Estimate HK$60,000-80,000. Sold for HK$ 1,060,000 (€ 126,653). Photo Bonhams.

Deftly carved resting on its paws with hind legs tucked at the sides, with a prominent snout, beady eyes and large floppy ears, the knobby spine with incised hair terminating in a bifurcated tail, the stone of a greenish-yellow tone with dark russet inclusions.. 

Note: Recumbent dog jade carvings first gained popularity during the Song dynasty. In comparison to Ming dynasty counterparts, such as the current lot, examples from the Song period are usually more slender and emaciated; displaying bony ribs and pronounced skeletal spinal features.

The motif of a hound is usually associated with fidelity, high rank and status in Chinese culture. Early representations of jade dogs were probably much more closely linked to the identity and aspirations of particular individuals: for example, jade hounds may have been worn by skillful hunters who wished to be known for their prowess in hunting.

Bonham's. The Sze Yuan Tang Collection of Chinese Jades, Hong Kong, 5 April 2016