A Chinese jade model of a recumbent horse

A Chinese jade model of a recumbent horse, probably late Ming dynasty. Lying with its head turned and its legs tucked beneath its body, the mane finely incised, the stone flecked with green, grey and white markings, raised on a high carved and pierced wood stand, 10cm. (2) The horse 'Ma', is a symbol of speed and of peace, because in ancient China they were used to bring peaceful tidings.