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A carved Imperial jade deer, Han Dynasty (206BCE -220CE), soft green/white jade with cream inclusions and "chicken bone" skin, recumbent, only one front leg protruding, with long curved antlers and forward gaze, with fine lustrous surface
11cm x 5.3cm x 2.7cm

Provenance:
By repute, originally owned by the Wadmore Family
James Wadmore (4th October 1782 - 24 December 1853)
Acquired by the current owner in Australia circa 1980

In Chinese culture deer are associated with longevity and prosperity. During the Han period deer were increasingly farmed and their shed antlers used for medicines. Hunting deer was a popular sport with high ranking nobility emphasizing high status.

A somewhat similarly carved and recumbent ram was sold at China Guardian (HK) Autumn Auctions, 2017, lot 346.