White jade. China, Song to Ming, 12th cent. – mid 17th cent.
A lavishly open-worked, somewhat circular decorative jade, depicting two cranes facing one another. Both animals stand as if on clouds bearing spiral ends resp?te at the same time similar to the magical long-life mushroom lingzhi - the symbolic content is shared – the wish for a long life! The wings are spread and the long necks and beaks are arched. While beaks of cranes are straight, these curved examples are typical for ibis. However, this bird has no meaning in China′s essential symbolism and the beak curvature was here defined by the composition. Perfect symmetry, on both sides the same depiction in best preservation.
DM AROUND 5,4 CM
From an Austrian collection. Formerly acquired from R.H. Investment Comp.Ltd. London, between 1996- 1997
Age determination: Univ. Prof. Dr. Filippo Salviati