A fine white jade carving of a female immortal holding a sprig of lingzhi fungus, 18th century, wearing long, flowing robes, and clutching a lingzhi sprig with both hands, on fitted ivory stand carved with further lingzhi, 8cm high (including base)Notes: The fungus Lingzhi ??, considered by the Daoist mystics as the food of the Immortals, is a symbol of longevity, owing to the fact that when dry the fungus becomes extremely long-lasting. It was believed that lingzhi fungi grew in the home of the Immortals, on the Three Islands of the Blest, and that whoever consumed it attained immortality. Lingzhi motifs appear frequently in Chinese art throughout history. For example see Lot 256, a Wanli-period blue and white saucer dish that bears three lingzhi scrolls to the interior of the dish; or Lot 225, an 18th century pale celadon carving of a boy holding a lingzhi sprig over his left shoulder.

Please refer to department for condition report