Chinese Hand Carved Longma: Right Facing

On display, a curled-up mythic beast looks back sharply, one hoof tucked in.

This hand carved longma facing right is from China, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is boxwood. The longma is a Chinese mythical creature said to combine features of a dragon and a horse, and it is usually taken as an emblem of vigor and good fortune. Photographed straight, a small carved creature lying with its legs folded under it and its head raised and turned, jaws parted. Swirling mane and tail curls run across its back, and the body is polished to a warm amber brown with darker recesses. It is 3.5 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 2.5 high.

Relaxed posture, alert expression, and a very well combed tail.