Carved jade figurine ‘Reclining Beast’, Han style

A jade sculpture carved in the form of a reclining mythical beast with a robust body and well-defined limbs. The figure has a relaxed, curvilinear posture, with its forelegs bent and its head turned slightly to one side. The creature, with a short snout, erect ears and stylised dorsal crest, suggests the influence of traditional celestial animal forms common in Han Dynasty iconography. The jade, whitish in tone with areas of dark veining and natural ochre, has a smoothly polished surface with natural inclusions and flecks.

Size: 3 x 4 x 8 cm

Weight: 100 g