Chinese Recumbent Figure of a Mythical Beast

Low to the ground, a pale carved beast has a small companion curled on its back.

This recumbent jade figure of a mythical beast is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Mythical beasts such as the qilin, the lion and the dragon appear throughout Chinese art, where they are generally read as guardians or bringers of good fortune. Smooth and creamy white, the figure has a broad snout, thick folded legs and a rounded body. A small creature rests along the back, and warm brown patches show at the edges of the polished surface. It is 2.5 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 1 high.

Sleepy, solid, and extremely well polished.