A fine Chinese pale celadon jade mythical animal group Qianlong 1736-95

A fine Chinese pale celadon jade mythical animal group Qianlong 1736-95, crisply carved as a recumbent beast with its head turned facing its pup which stands upon its back, his tail and mane finely incised and the body issuing flame-like motifs and lingzhi, the pale stone with dark speckled inclusions, 14cm. Together with a later wood stand. (2) Provenance: an English private collection. Carvings of animals with their young were a popular theme during the Ming and Qing dynasties. A large lion together with a small lion represents the wish for the recipient and their descendants to achieve high rank.