A Chinese Late Ming–early Qing Dynasty Carved Hetian Jade Taishi Shaoshi. The Hetian jade is carved in the round as a recumbent Buddhist lion accompanied by its cub, the two playfully intertwined with their heads turned toward one another. Both are depicted with broad faces, rounded eyes, flattened snouts, and thick curling manes, their compact bodies detailed with incised fur and tightly coiled tails. {Height 1 1/2 x Width 2 5/8 x Depth 1 1/2 inches}. 

The subject is known as Taishi Shaoshi (太狮少狮), literally “great lion and young lion.” The phrase forms a visual pun on the titles Taishi and Shaoshi, or Grand Preceptor and Junior Preceptor, and conveys wishes for high official rank, hereditary advancement, and continuing success across generations.

Accompanied by a carved wood stand.

中国明末清初和田玉雕太狮少狮摆件

以和田玉圆雕一大一小两只瑞狮相依嬉戏。大狮呈伏卧状，回首与幼狮相顾；双狮均作宽额圆目、阔鼻方吻，鬃毛卷曲，躯体浑厚紧凑，身上以阴刻线表现毛发，尾部盘卷。

“太狮少狮”以大小狮子谐音“太师少师”。太师与少师均为古代高级官职，因此这一题材寓意位极人臣、官运亨通，并寄托家族世代显达、后继有人的美好愿望。

附雕刻木座。

明末清初。

The jade has fissures. For condition report and additional photos, please contact the Asian Art Department.