CHINA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

Deer have a number of auspicious meanings in Chinese culture. Shoulao, the Star God of Longevity, is usually depicted accompanied by a spotted deer, crane, peach and pine tree. Thus the deer has come to represent long life. They are believed to be the only animals that can find the fungus of immortality. In addition, deer may represent Luxing, the God of Rank and Emolument. The theme of deer was close to the Qianlong emperor's heart, and deer feature in numerous court paintings dating to his reign as well as on porcelain such as the 'hundred deer' vases. A pair of 18th century recumbent deer from the collection of Mrs Nellie Ionides sold at Christie's London, 11 November 2003, lot 163. An 18th century model of a recumbent spotted deer from the Ann and Gordon Getty Collection sold at Christie's New York, 23 October 2022, lot 596.