Figure of a carved jade "Lion with young on its back", Qing Dynasty

White jade, carved in the form of a 'Chinese lion' with a small cub playing on its back. The figure of the animal is well depicted, lying on its paws with its head tilted upwards. The face has a serene and calm expression, playing with the cub, but as if waiting for some action in the game on the part of the cub.  The lion's body is somewhat tucked up in its resting position, with its tail in motion on its right hind leg. On the back of the white jade figure we find traces of the lion's skin, before it was carved, which splashes all over the back, also of the calf, enhancing the caramel-brown colour against the deep white of the jade.

The form of the "lion" or mythical beast in ancient Chinese myths and legends is derived from the transliteration of ancient Sanskrit. Images of these figures are depicted on ancient textiles, belt buckles, seals, bells or buttons to ward off evil spirits. In the southern dynasties, stone statues were often found in front of tombs for the same reason. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Oval carved wooden pedestal.

Size: 5.9 X 3.4 X 8.2 cm

Weight: 280 gr