Chinese Bone Tobacco Container with Crouching Figures

A large ceramic jar in Han style with rolled rim to the mouth, bulbous shoulder and broad base; fine detailing in original pigments including a band of meander pattern to the shoulder and stylised lion(?) and dragon to the body, lotus petals to the base. 7.4 kg, 44.5 cm

Fair condition. Very rare.

Ex West Country collection, Bath, Somerset, UK, 1970-2000s.

A gilt bronze sword pommel composed of a discoid body and cylindrical socket pierced twice for attachment (one piercing occluded); a circumferential zoomorphic frieze in raised relief to the exterior, displaying a procession of vegetal forms alternating with real and mythical creatures, each with stylised anatomical detailing: a monkey; a fenghuang; a leopard (or other feline); a tiger; set with a moonstone quality khotain jade roundel, carved in high-relief with two sinuous fantastical beasts, swirling clouds in the field; some restoration. 387 grams, 76 mm



Acquired from Dandelion Fine Arts, Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, 1970s. Ex Prof. David Anderson collection. UK private collection, circa 2010. Accompanied by a copy of metallurgic analytical results, written by Metallurgist Dr Peter Northover (ex Department of Materials, Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group & Department of Materials, University of Oxford). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11706-198359

Khotain jade was available between the years 69 B.C. and 101 A.D. as a result of a military treaty. It was sourced from the White Jade River. This object is believed to be produced for a notable client, possibly even a royal one given the item's similarity to a finial excavated from the tomb of a Prince of Zhongshan. The object's original patina, prior to restoration, suggested that the vessel was part of a ritual which involved exposure to intense heat.

A large banded agate bead necklace with banded 'eye' to one face, additional banded agate bead below; suspended on a thong. 35 grams, 66 cm long



Ex London, UK, gallery. Property of a London gentleman.