A CHINESE PALE CELADON JADE CARVING OF A CRAB

Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

清十八世紀 青白玉雕螃蟹擺件

Naturalistically-carved to depict a large crab with long bent legs, the top of the shell with beady eyes and ridged edges, with claws clutching large stalks of millet that wrap around to the rear of the body,

14cm long

Note: The word for 'crab’ is a homophone for ‘harmony', imbibing the crab motif with auspicious meaning. The crab motif also connotes success in civil examinations.

c.f. Compare a similar jade carving of a crab from the collection of Victor Ezekiel, dated to the 18th century, offered at Sotheby's London, 3rd November 2021, lot 51. A related carving, also dated to the 18th century, was offered at Christie's London, 15th May 2012, lot 41.

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