Description:

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East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. An intriguing tortoise of a sturdy form, hand-carved from grey-hued hardstone. The animal exhibits a quartet of attenuated legs, a domed shell adorned with incised geometric motifs, and a lozenge-shaped head that protrudes from the narrow neck hole. The charming countenance presents with incised ovoid eyes, a narrow snout, and a pincer-like mouth. The tortoise was a strongly symbolic animal in dynastic China regarded for its powerful physique, its longevity, and its ability to carry extremely heavy loads. In ancient China, there are examples of enormous stelae that are presented and rest upon the back of monumental tortoises carved from stone. Size: 11.25" L x 6.9" W x 3.9" H (28.6 cm x 17.5 cm x 9.9 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, collected in 1994

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#150951

  • Condition: Nicks and abrasions to head and body, with light softening to some facial details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Green felt covering underside to prevent from scratching display surface.

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December 12, 2019 7:00 AM PST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000