Nephrite Jade Carving of a Horse and Fly, 16th-18th Century CE
Jade
Height:4.4 cm
ES.0749.22
An exquisite example of a Qing dynasty nephrite jade carving of a horse and fly.The horse is depicted with a long neck reaching to the ground with a fly sitting...
An exquisite example of a Qing dynasty nephrite jade carving of a horse and fly.The horse is depicted with a long neck reaching to the ground with a fly sitting on his back. The figure stands on a flat base.
While the Horse alone is a strong representation of business success, this meaning is amplified when it is coupled with a representation of a fly. Indeed, in the Chinese language, the word for “fly on horse” sounds like "ma seong ying" which is similar to the phrase “isntant victory". Because of this similarity, the Chinese believe that an image of a fly on a horse will provide even further enhancement in endeavours of both business and life.
While the Horse alone is a strong representation of business success, this meaning is amplified when it is coupled with a representation of a fly. Indeed, in the Chinese language, the word for “fly on horse” sounds like "ma seong ying" which is similar to the phrase “isntant victory". Because of this similarity, the Chinese believe that an image of a fly on a horse will provide even further enhancement in endeavours of both business and life.