China, 17th century or earlier. Finely carved as a crouching feline with arched back and paws tucked underneath, the head slightly lowered and turned to one side, the beast with alert eyes, a long snout, and oval ears, the forehead incised with a Wang character ('king'), referring to the tiger's role in the animal kingdom. Sparingly and neatly incised with fur markings around the neck and limbs as well as stripes to the tail. Pierced below the mouth for suspension as a pendant. The translucent stone of a grayish-white tone with russet shadings and veins as well as cloudy inclusions.

Provenance: From an English private collection.
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and natural fissures, some of which may have developed into small hairline cracks.

Weight: 140 g
Dimensions: Length 8 cm

The tiger has long been one of the oldest symbols for protection in China and is considered as one of the most powerful beasts for warding off evil. The tiger motif inspires both awe and admiration, and also embodies the spirit and drive for success.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's London, 3 November 2020, lot 141
Price: GBP 18,750 or approx. EUR 28,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white jade carving of a tiger, Ming dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of carving, with similar crouching pose and incised Wang character to the forehead, as well as the related white and russet color. Note the size (5.1 cm).