Details

LOT 0425

Chinese Han Gilded Bronze and Jade Beaker

HAN DYNASTY, 206 B.C-220 A.D.

5 3/4 in. (709 grams, 14.5 cm high).

A gilt bronze and Khotain moonstone quality jade beaker composed of a slender U-shaped body, bulbous stem and discoid foot, the applied handle formed as the head, neck and legs of a mythical bird, likely a fenghuang, with detailing to the creature's feathers, face, beak and limbs, body formed as the handle loop, wings carved in relief in the jade; the jade vessel body carved in relief with neat rows of volute scrolls, stylised petals in relief around the lower body and foot; some restoration.

Provenance

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.11707-198358.

Footnotes

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. The object's original patina, prior to restoration, suggested that the vessel was part of a ritual which involved exposure to intense heat.