Three vases in archaic bronze forms carved on a stepped stand: in the centre, an incense burner, with upright handles and three animal-style feet, carved with a taotie, the domed cover with an oval button knob; to one side, a two-handled vase, also with t

Jade in the Royal Collection

Vibrant jades collected from around the world

    CHINA

    Mythical horned beast pendant with ivory stand

    Ming dynasty or earlier

    RCIN 23662

    It is not certain how this object came into the Royal Collection. It is possible that its arrived as a result of Queen Mary's growing interest in acquiring jade carvings; but it is equally possible that it was one of the items presented by the Qianlong Emperor to George III. The Emperor was keen to emphasise the antiquity of Chinese culture and animal carvings, such as this, were designed to follow the ancient and unnatural styling of those created during the Han Empire (206 BC–AD 220) and following periods.

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