Figura de jade blanco "Leona y cachorro", dinastía Qing

A Hetian white jade figurine or pendant, with reddish flecks, carved in one piece. It depicts a lioness with her cub, the details of which are meticulously crafted. The lioness is lying on her outstretched paws, holding a ball with her head cocked to one side. On one side the cub is on her back. The face has the usual features: bulging eyes, drooping ears, wide nostrils and an open muzzle showing its teeth. The tail is upwards, and the endings are "ruyi" shaped. The offspring has the same characteristics. 

The traditional Chinese concept "太师少师" (Tài shī shao shī) refers to a lion or lioness holding a lion. The difference in size always stands out between them. Lion and master are pronounced in the same way "Tài shī shao shī" and therefore the meaning of a lion as a master is taken. The lions, one large and one small, signify the desire to succeed.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980. 

Size: 5.3 x 4.5 x 8 cm; Weight: 226 g