Chinese Jade Figure of a Deer

Pale deer or goat with a backward curl of horn, folded into a crouch.

This jade figure of a deer is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Jade is a dense, tough stone that carvers shape slowly by abrasion rather than cutting, which is why fine detail in small figures depends on patient, repeated polishing. Long-necked animal with a small head, swept-back horn and one foreleg raised forward, resting above a heavy rounded hindquarter with a scrolled haunch. Smooth, light gray-green surface with a soft polish and a rolled scroll marking the haunch. It is 2.25 inches wide, 1 deep and 1.5 high.

Graceful neck, comfortable haunches, no plans to rise.