China, Xinjiang region, fantastic animals carved in celadon jade, early 20th century

China Xinjiang region, fantastic animals early 20th century Carved in celadon jade, Fantastic beasts resemble a camel, but with ears reminiscent of those of elephants, or more precisely mammoths. h: 34 cm L: 34 cm The work is distinguished by finely carved details, such as the elaborate chains and rings, all crafted directly from the stone, demonstrating exceptional technical virtuosity. These suspended elements evoke lightness and fluidity, contrasting with the solidity of the material. Carved from a single block of jade with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The jade used here has a silky, lustrous texture, often referred to as "mutton fat," while retaining the characteristic luminosity of the finest Chinese jade. The artist skillfully incorporated the jade’s natural characteristics, including the appearance of brownish marks in certain areas, such as the creature’s tail and head. These marks are remnants of the raw jade’s exterior, a deliberate tribute to the stone’s natural beauty and authenticity. This unique iconography could suggest that the sculptor was inspired by the genetic similarity between the mammoth and the camel, particularly the kidneys. This bold fusion of realism and mythology gives the work a unique character.

Dimensions :
- Height : 34 cm
- Width : 34 cm