AN EXQUSITE WHITE JADE ‘RAM’ CARVING, LATE MING TO QING DYNASTYJade. China, late Ming (1368-1644) to Qing dynasty (1644-1912)The translucent white jade with some inclusions is carved to depict a reclining ram with its fore and rear legs drawn at the sides of its belly. The head looks forward, with eyes, nose and jaw indicated by incised lines. Figures of rams enjoy a long history, since they already appeared in tombs from the Han Dynasty as lamps or terracotta figures. The ram, for the Chinese, manifests peace, prosperity and filial piety. A very attractive miniature carving.HEIGHT 2.6 cm, LENGTH 3 cmProvenance: Private collection of Irene and Wolfgang Zacke (1942-2022).