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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#189185

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

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

December 6, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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