A superb large grey and pale yellow jade carving of a qilin, 17th century

23 avril 2020

A superb large grey and pale yellow jade carving of a qilin, 17th century

A superb large grey and pale yellow jade carving of a qilin 17th century

Lot 14. A superb large grey and pale yellow jade carving of a qilin, 17th century; 15.2cm (6in) wide. Estimate HK$ 300,000-500,000. Sold for HK$ 750,000 (€ 89,052). Photo: Bonhams.

The recumbent beast carved with its legs tucked under its body and head turned backwards towards a book on its back, with a cloud vapour emanating between its gritted teeth, with further wisps of lingzhi-shaped clouds on its side and underside, finely detailed with scales on its legs and thighs, the back with a knobbed spine and carefully incised mane, the stone of a pale yellow-beige tone with black and grey inclusions.

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 15 February 1966, lot 247
Hans Goldstein collection and thence by descent.

Published and Exhibited: The Arts Council of Great Britain and The Oriental Ceramic Society, Loan Exhibition of the Animal in Chinese Art, London, 1968, Catalogue no.141 (label)
J.Rawson and J.Ayers, Jade Throughout the Ages, Oriental Ceramic Society, London, 1975, Catalogue no.374 (illustrated) (label)

Note: The powerful yet benevolent carving of the qilin is particularly rare not only for its impressive size and the superb craftsmanship demonstrated in its all round detailed carving, but also for the early depiction of this subject matter, more prevalent in later periods. The colour of the stone and style of the carving indicate an early Qing dynasty dating, although a late Ming date cannot be ruled out.

The qilin represents a number of positive attributes including benevolence, longevity, grandeur, felicity, illustrious offspring and wise administration. It is considered a good omen as it is said to appear only during the reign of a benevolent ruler. However, the particular symbolism represented by the mythical beast carrying books is based on a legend from the life of Confucius, when it was said that neighbours saw a qilin delivering books made of jade at the time of his birth, and has since come to symbolise well-wishing; another auspicious symbolism is conveyed by the pun lin tu yu shu ('May you give birth to an illustrious son').

For several examples of similar subject matter but dated to the 18th century see: from the Palace Museum, Beijing, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, p.114, no.94 (22cm wide); and illustrated by R.Keverne, ed., Jade, London, 1995, p.154, fig.67 (12.7cm wide), where Yang Boda notes that 'Kylin are rarely represented in jade'.

Compare a related pale greenish-white jade carving of a qilin, 17th/18th century (16.5cm wide), sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1030.