Chinese Glazed Vase

A piriform ceramic jar with high shoulder, short neck and everted rim, two downwards-facing lug handles to the equator, painted geometric frieze to the upper body composed of hatched roundels, parallel lines, scallops and pellets. 2.7 kg, 33 cm high



Acquired 1970s-1990s. Ex West Country collection.

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 rectangular ceramic Buddha brick displaying a nimbate Buddha figure seated on a plinth, legs crossed before him, hands held at the chest, within a niche. 4 kg, 33.5 cm high

Fair condition.

Acquired in the 1970s. From a Hong Kong collection. London collection, 1990s-2000s.