Chinese antique jade small recumbent horse, attributed to Liao dynasty (907–1125)

Beautiful greenish nephrite with natural traces of aging.

Mohs' hardness: 7.0-7.5 (average range for jade 6.0-7.0)

Height: 2.75 in. = 7 cm

Length: 5 in. = 12.5 cm

Weight: 1 lb. = 450 g

Age: Liao Dynasty 907-1125 (?)

Archaic evidences of exposed crystal plane, diffusive markings, dissolved pits and cleaving veins are seen.

Provenance: from private collection in Florida, USA; purchased in 1980’s -1990's

References:

Sui, Tang, Song & Yuan Dynasties (589 D.D. -1368 A.D.)

The designs of Tang Dynasty jade artifacts are seen to be characterized by reality and its relation to daily life. 

to the popularity of Buddhism, many jade Buddhist figures are made during this period. 

Owing to the particular cultural development such as the Tang trio color ceramics, many jade artifacts are painted with rich colors and guilt with gold.

Flying fairy of Buddhist figure is appeared as single piece jade artifacts or constitutes major motif on the artifacts. 

Because of frequent communication with foreign countries, foreigners visited China quite often that many motifs of Tang Dynasty are appeared as foreigners from the west which are called Hu people.

The designs of Song, Yuan, Liao and Kim Dynasties jade artifacts are more daily life oriented. 

The main theme of many Song Dynasty jade artifacts is lad with different posture and the main themes of Liao and Kim Dynasties are the scenes of spring with birds, flowers and ponds, the scenes of autumn mountain with pine trees, deer and animals.