White jade sculpture "Landscape with Sages under a Pine Tree", Qing Dynasty (18th century)

White jade sculpture with natural brown inclusions. The stone has been carved into the shape of a rock, following a tradition that valued both the natural form of the material and the scenes carved on its surface. On one side, a scene can be seen: beneath a pine tree with spreading branches, two male figures, probably sages or immortals, interact in a natural setting. One of them appears upright, holding a staff, while the other leans slightly toward him, handing him a branch, in an attitude of respect or dialogue. The tree, carved with detailed foliage and gnarled trunk, rises from a rocky surface with lines suggesting undulations of the terrain or mist. The reverse of the sculpture has been left without figurative decoration, preserving the natural texture and grain of the jade. The choice to leave this uncarved surface allows the beauty of the material to be appreciated.

The sculpture stands on a carved and openwork wooden base with a geometric fretwork design on the upper edge and a lower frieze decorated with vegetal scrolls and ruyi motifs. Qing Dynasty (18th century) or later.

Jade size: 8 × 6 × 12 cm