Ming Dynasty Deer, Crane, & Lingzhi 'Longevity' Jade Figural Group
Description
一件特别精美、罕见的明代斑驳棕色玉雕。它描绘了一只鹿和一只鹤并排栖息在如意和茛苋枝上。学者的案头物品或玩具强烈地描绘了道教的长寿、生命和健康概念。
A particularly fine, and rare, Ming dynasty, mottled brown jade carving of a deer and a crane resting side by side, holding branches of lingzhi / ruyi and acanthus between each other. A strong depiction of Taoist notions of longevity, life, and good health combined into a single scholar’s desk object, or plaything.
Taoism was popular during many dynasties including the Song and Yuan dynasties. Of interest here, however, are the Ming dynasty reigns, notable for some particularly fervent, practicing Taoist emperors include the Chenghua (reigned 1465–1487) and Jiajing (reigned 1522–1566) emperors who were criticized for allowing Taoism to interfere with their running of the state. (Asian Art Museum, Beliefs and Religions of the Ming Dynasty, San Francisco).
Similar Sold and Exhibited
A similar Pale Celadon Jade 'Longevity' Group, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century was sold at Sotheby’s in 2019, bearing the same Taoist blessing and described as:
Together, the deer (lu) and crane (he) form the rebus for liuhe, suggesting the phrase liuhe tongchun ('the universe is enjoying spring or longevity'). The blessing is emphasized by the presence of other emblems associated with longevity, such as the peach and chrysanthemum.
The same description was shared and described on a rare large three-colour cinnabar lacquer 'ingot' box and cover, sold at Bonhams in 2016.
Gold and silver ingots, known as yuanbao 元寶, were used in ancient China as a form of currency and therefore, the ingot form came to symbolise prosperity and wealth. The Chinese character for 'ingot' (ding 錠) is formed of two radicals or components: the left is that of 'gold' (jin 金) and the right is that of 'certainty' (ding 定). Together they form the pun for 'wealth will come most certainly'. The auspicious symbolism is further reinforced by the deer (lu 鹿) which signifies longevity, and the crane (he 鶴), which is a homophone for 'togetherness' (he 合), with both often shown beside Shoulao, the God of Longevity. Since there are six cranes depicted on the present lot, they form the rebus liuhe tongchun 六合同春, meaning 'the universe is enjoying springtime and longevity'.
Other similar examples in public and private collections include a Ming dynasty jade crane, deer and acanthus (formerly in the collection of the Museum of East Asian Art, Museum No. BATEA 476) and described as:
A whitish jade pebble carving of a stork and deer lying side by side holding between them an acanthus spray. The details are well carved. The stone is of greyish-white colour with brown veins.
