AN ARCHAISTIC CREAM JADE FIGURE OF A MYTHICAL BEASTChina, 20th century. Finely carved in the Han Dynasty style, demonstrating superior levels of craftsmanship quality achieved through meticulous manual carving. The recumbent beast carved arched with its small feet under the body, neatly incised with a powerful flat and broad spine, drop-like eyes, defined jaw, long tail and clutching paws, the body with decorative scroll work. The almost completely opaque stone of a pale celadon tone with creamy inclusions and surface alterations.Condition: Good condition with some wear and minor nibbling here and there. Provenance: Estate of Wolfgang Zacke (1942-2022), co-founder of Galerie Zacke, thence by descent. Acquired in the Hong Kong antiques market in the early 1990s. Weight: 305 g Dimensions: Length 11.5 cm