A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT ‘LONGEVITY’ RAM, MING DYNASTY

A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF A RECUMBENT ‘LONGEVITY’ RAM, MING DYNASTY China, 1368-1644. Deftly and naturalistically cast as a ram seated on its haunches with its forelimbs bent. The ram with well-defined facial features, marked by bulging eyes with incised pupils and a prominent snout, framed by a pair of coiled horns above small pointed ears. The spine and fur finely incised and delineated. The tail is designed in the shape of a peach, symbol for longevity. Provenance: From a Hungarian collection. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting flaws, small nicks, and light scratches. Weight: 438.9 g Dimensions: Length 10.5 cm The ram is a popular motif in Chinese jade carving, not only because its pronunciation sounds close to the pronunciation of the word ‘xiang’ (auspicious), but also as a symbol of filial piety, patience, and kindness. The ram is further a traditional emblem of good luck, since the Chinese term for ram (or goat), ‘yang’, is also a homophone of ‘yang’ (sun), and represents the male or positive principle in the yin-yang duality. Expert’s note: The tail is distinctively designed in the shape of a peach, the main symbol of longevity in ancient China. The ability of ‘hiding’ auspicious symbols and meanings in skillfully executed depictions of Zodiac animals is one of the most accomplished regalia of Chinese art and culture overall, which has been passed on from generation to generation, literally across several millennia. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 8 April 2014, lot 84 Estimate: HKD 1,600,000 or approx. EUR 235,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt-bronze standing figure of a ram Ming dynasty, 15th century Expert remark: Compare the related subject and similar use of gilt.