Description:

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A lovely serpentine carving of a stylized elephant-like creature known as a "mengmo" or simply "mo," adorned with scrolling motifs etched into its haunches. The animal is depicted recumbent, with its legs neatly tucked to the sides in a dog-like pose. The mo is a little-known and enigmatic creature, believed to be a blend of elephant, tiger, tapir, and rhinoceros, and is considered benevolent. Its iconography gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty when the poet Bai Juyi described the mo as having healing properties. Size: 3.5" L x 1.5" W x 3.6" H (8.9 cm x 3.8 cm x 9.1 cm)

Provenance: private New Orleans, Louisiana, USA collection, acquired 1990s in the Caribbean

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#189185

  • Condition: Mineral deposits in recessed areas, and stones embedded around the left ear. Intact and choice condition.

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October 5, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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