87 A fine jade group of a recumbent buffalo and a qilin, the buffalo is well worked with two curling horns, a mouth represented by a single incised line, ridges on its neck and back indicating wrinkled skin, and an incised tail; its legs are tucked beneath it. The animated qilin is curled on the back leg of the buffalo, it has two branched horns, an incised mane and tail, a scaly body and cloven hooves. The jade is a fine greenish-white tone with russet blushes. 17th century Length: 4”, 10.2 cm For similar examples, see Forsyth and McElney, Jades from China, no. 325, p. 396, where it is noted that this combination of animals from the natural and imaginary world suggests a Qing 17th century date; Ip, Chinese Jade Carving, no. 159, pp. 172-3 (dated Ming); and d’Argencé, Chinese Jades in The Avery Brundage Collection, pl. XLVII.