A Chinese jade pendant, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), in the shape of a sea snail with a girl emerging from the top, the stone of white tone (5.3cm long)…

A Chinese jade pendant, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), in the shape of a sea snail with a girl emerging from the top, the stone of white tone (5.3cm long) Provenance: Formerly in a European private collection. Footnote: ‘The Snail Maiden’ is a traditional Chinese folk tale recounting the story of a kind but impoverished farmer who discovers a large river snail and brings it home. In his absence, a maiden emerges from the snail and secretly prepares his meals and tends to his household. 明 白玉

Category

Asian art

Location

Stansted Mountfitchet

Dimensions

L 5.3 cm