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| Bixie (Mythical Animal) |
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| China; Qing period (1644-1911), late 18th - early 19th century |
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| Nephrite |
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| H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); L. 12 in. (30.5 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm) |
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| Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
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| 1979.120 |
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| The large size of this nephrite sculpture of a mythical bixie helps date it to the late 18th or early 19th century. The bixie first appears in Chinese literature as a deerlike creature. In later Chinese art, they are more commonly represented as leonine creatures with the horns and hooves of a deer, as in this jade. The bixie is a benevolent creature, often a guardian or protector. The numerous fractures in the jade are often found in stones that have been quarried. The brown-black stains found in these fractures were applied after the sculpture had been carved in an attempt to simulate natural discoloration. This artificial staining is a type of antiquarianism intended to enhance the value of the piece. |
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