White jade carving depicting dragon with phoenix

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) 18th century

A superbly carved white jade group depicting a qilin and a phoenix, with a finely carved zitan stand depicting rocks, clouds, and water.
This elegant jade group carving exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of 18th-century jade ateliers, where technical mastery was combined with symbolic richness. The mythical qilin and phoenix, emblems of prosperity, virtue, and harmony are rendered with remarkable delicacy, their plumage and manes finely incised to capture lifelike movement. The pure, translucent white tone of the jade was carefully chosen for its luminous quality, enhancing the sense of purity and auspiciousness.
The accompanying zitan stand, carved as swirling clouds and rockwork, provides a vivid contrast in both material and texture, framing the jade with a sense of majesty characteristic of high Qing artistry.