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Bixie (Mythical Animal)

Late 18th-early 19th century

China

Nephrite

H. 7 3/4 x L. 12 x W. 7 in. (19.7 x 30.5 x 17.8 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.120

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The large size of this nephrite sculpture of a mythical bixie helps date it to the late 18th or early 19th century. The bixie first appears in Chinese literature as a deerlike creature. In later Chinese art, they are more commonly represented as leonine creatures with the horns and hooves of a deer, as in this jade. The bixie is a benevolent creature, often a guardian or protector. The numerous fractures in the jade are often found in stones that have been quarried. The brown-black stains found in these fractures were applied after the sculpture had been carved in an attempt to simulate natural discoloration. This artificial staining is a type of antiquarianism intended to enhance the value of the piece.