Lot 211. A rare celadon and russet jade figure of a mythical beast, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Length 13.4 cm, 5¼ in. Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000 GBP. Lot sold 112,500 GBP. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the beast seated with its large head raised and turned to the right, with folds of skin and prominent fangs, whiskers and an flanged mane, the rippled body with finely incised archaistic scroll work delineating the beast's fur, the tail curled between muscular legs, the softly polished stone of celadon tone with a splashes of light warm russet skin, wood stand.

Archaic and archaistic jades from the Michael Gulbenkian Collection.

Provenance: Louis Joseph, London.