China, Late Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th century CE. An ornately carved white jade lidded bird effigy vessel with an integral Foo Dog handle carved in high relief. An avian head forms the lid, replete with lively details - a sinuous crest and curved beak in high relief, wide open eyes and feathered plumes in low relief, neatly fitting the meticulously decorated body below which presents a pair of symmetrically composed low relief dragons facing one another on each side. The Foo Dog handle also boasts intricate details (long hair curls, bulging eyes, and a curled tail) and appears to crawl up the bird's back in a dramatic yet simultaneously playful manner. These sacred fantastical lion-like creatures have traditionally guarded tombs or been strategically placed before government buildings to scare off evil spirits. Looking beyond this magical iconography, the jade itself is inherently beautiful, with its even milky white tone and expertly delineated finish. During the Qing Dynasty, while some decorative works declined, jade carving attained a high level of technique as exemplified by this piece. Size: 4.375" W x 5.875" H (11.1 cm x 14.9 cm) Size: 4.375" L x 5.875" H (11.1 cm x 14.9 cm)

Provenance: ex private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#127559

Superb save tiny, near invisible scuff/nick to crest feather and beak. Near choice!