Song Dynasty or earlierThe mythical bird exquisitely carved in the round seated with the head turned left and downwards, the circular eyes flanking the sharp beak detailed with nostrils, the head with a double crest reaching the closed finely incised well-defined wings decorated around the edges with C and S scrolls, the underside delicately incised with the feet, the stone of white tone with minor russet inclusions, box. 4.5cm (1 3/4in) long (2).