A massive Chinese grey-green jade carving of two tianlu 17th/18th century

A massive Chinese grey-green jade carving of two tianlu 17th/18th century, the mythical dogs carved in the round, each resting its paws upon the haunches of its partner, the teeth bared and with bulging eyes, the single horns extending to well-defined back bones framed by hairy manes and curled tails, the underside with claws and further flame-like hair, 20cm. Provenance: formerly in a French private collection. Tianlu are Chinese mythological animals that herald good fortune and keep evil at bay. They resemble lions, but for a single horn and occasionally wings. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), they were used for ornamentation purposes. Sculptures were placed in front of tombs to suggest the dignity, power and authority the deceased enjoyed in their lifetime. As symbols of bravery and immunity to evil, the animals are meant for those aspiring to ascend to heaven to ride upon. Images of tianlu were inscribed, embroidered or carved on fabrics, army banners, bands and hooks, or the handles of seals and bells. Cf. M. Knight, Later Chinese Jades Ming Dynasty to Twentieth Century, no.51 for a discussion on the identification of different mythical beasts.