Chinese Female Rhinoceros Carving

Scaled, red-brown beast with a horn on its nose and a glint in its eye.

This female rhinoceros carving in hardwood is from China, and dates to the 20th century. The rhinoceros has appeared in Chinese art for many centuries, in bronze, jade and other materials, and it is sometimes carved in the round. Low, heavy animal carved with a pattern of overlapping scales across the body, two small upright ears and a horn at the snout. Glossy dark inset eyes. The surface is polished reddish brown and crouched forward. It is 5 inches wide, 2 deep and 2 high.

Armored, patient, and not about to be hurried.