This animal is recumbent facing forward, the very pale celadon jade has russet markings and black quartz eyes. There are drill holes for the ears and antlers, now missing, but possibly also originally in quartz. The deer was believed by the Chinese to live to a great age and therefore became an emblem of longevity.

Literature: Anthony du Boulay, The Duberly Collection of Chinese Art at Winchester College (Winchester, 2019), p. 132

Provenance: Bequeathed as part of the Duberly Collection, 1978; purchased by Major Montagu and Lady Eileen Duberly from John Sparks, 27 November 1967 (£187); sold Christie’s, London, 21 November 1967, lot 42

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2