LOT 2026

Chinese Han Gilded Bronze Sword Pommel with Jade

HAN DYNASTY, 2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.

3 in. (387 grams, 76 mm).

Comprising a discoid body and cylindrical socket pierced twice for attachment (one piercing occluded); a circumferential zoomorphic frieze in high-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; minor restoration.

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).
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12036-211774.

Cf. James, C.S.Lin, The search for immortality – tomb treasures of the Han China, New Haven, 2012, fig.147, p.270, for similar jade pommel; fig. 20, for jade sword fittings; Chu A. and G., The collector’s book of Jade, New York, 1978, fig.20 a-f, for jade fittings and pommel of a sword; for similar types see also Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XIII, nos.41,56.

The Khotain jade was the best 'moonstone' quality used for gilded-bronzes, and came from the White Jade River, available after the signature of a military treaty in about 69BC to 101AD. This object is believed to have been produced for a notable client, likely even for a royal given the item's similarity to a finial excavated from the tomb of a Prince of Zhongshan.