LIAO DYNASTY RARE CARVED JADE RABBIT BRUSH WASHER.
Carved green nephrite jade with ornately engraved gold on silver reticulated floral and animal motif.

This very rare sculptural brush washer featuring a recumbent rabbit is from the Liao dynasty. This uniquely expressed and unusually large rabbit-form washer was crafted in a lush green nephrite jade, which was typical of the period. The beautifully engraved gold on silver reticulated floral and animal motif Is in the upper levels of quality and complexity used in this pierced technique in the Liao dynasty.

Although this type of decoration of artworks has been found in the Tang dynasty, this style is generally acknowledged as being a style typically desired by the nobility of the Qidan people. The laid back ears found on this artifact are also the more usual convention, depicting rabbits, in the Liao dynasty, whereas the classical Chinese cultures used a plethora of different depictions ear postures.

Basically among the animals depicted in Liao dynasty art, the rabbit is a rather rare sight whereas in China the rabbit was honored with a place in the zodiac and a place of prominence in Chinese mythology. The Moon Rabbit, also known as the Jade Rabbit (as in this artifact) lives in the moon where it constantly mixes the elixir of immortality.

This specific jade rabbit brush washer went through extensive scientific analysis to search for any elements inconsistent with ancient stone or metalwork from the proposed culture and error of manufacturing. Extensive surface examination, mineral logical analysis and metallurgical analysis were conducted. No such evidence was found in the more than a dozen locations which were analyzed. A more complete explanation, with photographs is available.

Dimension: 17cm L (7 in L) x 8 1/2cm W (3 1/2 in W) x 4 1/2cm H ( 1 3/4in H)

PROVENANCE: Formerly in the collection of a highly regarded New York and Washington private collector. Many of the artifacts from their various collections have been donated and will continue to be donated to major institutions throughout the United States. These include such prestigious institutions as the National Gallery.


A LIST OF RECOMMENDED THIRD-PARTY SHIPPER IS AVAILABLE UNDER SHIPPING INFORMATION. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THEM FOR A QUOTE.