**First Time At Auction**
East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. early 20th century CE. An antique Chinese avian, perhaps a phoenix or bird of paradise, finely carved from greenstone (serpentine) of celadon hues and perched upon a cluster of flowers that present with impressive openwork and naturalistic details. The piece is accompanied by a traditional carved wooden stand that was custom designed for this piece. Size: 6.75" W x 13.875" H (17.1 cm x 35.2 cm); 15.625" H (39.7 cm) on included custom stand.
The avian may represent a phoenix, often paired with the dragon in Chinese culture. The dragon and the phoenix are two of the most important symbols in Chinese art and literature, often appearing together. In legend, the phoenix is the most beautiful of all birds, called the feng huang, and the etymology of the name is derived from "emperor". The phoenix will only appear in times of prosperity and peace, second only in the supernatural creatures of the Chinese pantheon to the dragon. The dragon, meanwhile, is symbolic of change, strength, and goodness, and the emblem of the power of the Emperor.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, purchased between the 1980s to 2000s
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#153950
Condition
Nicks to high-pointed areas of bird's plumage and flowers/foliage. Stand has aged gracefully as well and has normal surface wear and minute nicks to peripheries. Statue is not attached to the stand, but the stand was custom made for it, and the statue fits it very nicely.