White jade figure "Deer", Qing dynasty, Qianlong

A Hetian white jade figure carved in one piece. It shows three figures together: a kneeling person holding a jug in both hands, a deer on his shoulders, and on the side a baby calf next to a sphere. The details of the representation are remarkable. It is in very good condition.

The figure has the features of "Maitreya Buddha" the successor of "Sakyamuni Buddha", according to Chinese Buddhism. The set corresponds with the legend "鹿乳奉亲" (Deer's milk for marriage). The story tells how a person called "Tanzi", a son of the Zhou dynasty, risked his life to get deer milk to take care of his family. The deer he is milking has a calf and therefore has milk. In addition, the ball means health. There is a temple and a tomb of Tanzi, although much is unknown. 

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

Size: 9 x 4 x 7 cm; Weight: 271