Composed of eight translucent jadeite horses of celadon tone, suffused with soft yellow and white patches, carved in various motions and expressions, symbolising power and fortune. Accompanied by a dragon shaped bronze and wooden stand. Horses measuring approximately 66.99 x 60.78 x 16.55 to 40.57 x 71.31 x 16.51mm. This lot contains jadeite or rubies originating in Burma (also known as Myanmar) and also articles of jewellery containing such gemstones may not be imported into the U.S. With respect to items containing any other types of gemstones originating in Burma (e.g. sapphires), such items may be imported into the U.S. provided that the gemstones were mounted or incorporated into articles of jewellery outside of Burma as long as the setting is not of a temporary nature. Loose gemstones of any type originating in Burma may not be imported into the U.S. In this regard, purchaser’s inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify a cancellation of the sale or any delay in payment.
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The Eight Stallions Originated from the Six Dynasties period, The Eight Stallions portrayed the eight horses that drew the carriage of King Mu of the state of Zhou as he toured Mount Kunlun. According to Chronicles of Forgotten Times, King Mu of the State of Zhou, the eight horses were identified by their features, speed and characters. In Tale of King Mu, Son of Heaven, the steeds were named according to the colour of their mane. This view was endorsed in Commentary on The Eight Stallions, a work by ancient writer Liu Zongyuan.
From ancient to the modern times, many literati have composed poetry and paintings inspired by The Eight Stallions. Among all, the most famous ones are painted by Xu Beihong. Giuseppe Castiglione, an Italian artist who served the Qing dynasty court, also created a four-panel painting titled Herding Horses in the Countryside, offering a masterful depiction of the equine animals with their tranquil demeanour.
At presented in Lot 139, the Jadeite “Horses” Ornament captures the valiant expressions and motion of eight sprinting horses, making it a highly sought-after carving to enrich one’s collection.