China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.7 cm
Bronze paperweight, Chinese, Ming dynasty, depicting a sitting deer. The animal’s features are simple but well defined, its body is decorated with spots, its hoofed legs are elaborate and rest under its body. Its face and sitting position give the impression of a calm animal. Deer are in fact sacred animals in Chinese culture, symbolizing long life and wealth, and are often depicted alongside Daoist immortal gods.
