Lot 042 A PALE CELADON AND RUSSET JADE ‘MYTHICAL BEAST’ PAPERWEIGHT MING DYNASTY (1368–1644) OR LATER 明或更晚 白玉瑞兽镇纸

Description

A PALE CELADON AND RUSSET JADE ‘MYTHICAL BEAST’ PAPERWEIGHT
MING DYNASTY (1368–1644) OR LATER
明或更晚 白玉瑞兽镇纸
ESTIMATE: $3,000 – $5,000
Description
This expertly carved jade paperweight (zhenzhi) depicts a recumbent mythical beast, possibly a qilin or a divine deer, captured in a moment of quiet repose. The creature is rendered with a powerful, rounded body, its head tucked back toward its haunches in a classic Ming-style posture. The facial features are delicately incised, showcasing a serene yet spirited expression, while the mane and tail are defined by fine, parallel hair-work.
The stone is of a translucent pale celadon hue, characterized by significant areas of natural russet and honey-colored “mercury” skin, which adds a layer of archaic depth to the piece. The carving utilizes the natural contours of the pebble, creating a tactile, pebble-form object with a smooth, waxy luster. The underside is subtly carved to represent the tucked limbs, ensuring the piece sits firmly as a functional scholar’s object.
Dimensions
• Size: 4.7 cm x 2.8 cm x 3.2 cm
• Weight: 55 g
CONDITION REPORT
The jade paperweight is in overall excellent and stable condition. The stone exhibits a mellow, natural patina consistent with age and handling. There are no significant chips, cracks, or signs of modern restoration. Minor natural surface pitting and internal stone inclusions are present, which are characteristic of the original nephrite boulder and long-term preservation.
Provenance
• From a Private Canadian Collection
明或更晚 白玉瑞兽镇纸
描述
此件玉镇纸圆雕一瑞兽（或为麒麟、神鹿），呈蜷伏状，姿态静谧生动。瑞兽身躯丰满，首部回望，神态安详而有神韵，体现了明代动物雕刻典型的浑厚风格。其鬃毛与尾部以细密阴线勾勒，线条流畅。
玉材呈现半透明的青白色，带有大面积天然红褐色及金褐色的“金包银”沁色，色泽古雅。整器随形圆雕，打磨细腻，触手温润，具有油脂光泽。器底平稳，巧妙地表现了收拢的四足，既是精美的艺术品，亦是文房实用的镇纸佳器。
技术规格
• 尺寸: 4.7 厘米 x 2.8 厘米 x 3.2 厘米
• 重量: 55 克
品相报告
瑞兽镇纸整体品相佳且结构稳固。玉质表面包浆醇厚，可见自然的使用痕迹，无明显磕碰、裂纹或现代修复。器身见有极轻微的自然矿物包裹体及天然石纹，符合其年代特征与自然磨损规律。
来源
• 来自加拿大私人珍藏