Chinese Song Figural Tile

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. 709 grams, 14.5 cm high



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.

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.

A large banded agate bead of roughly oval form, two domed 'eyes' to one face; suspended on a felt thong. 97 grams, 66 cm long



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

A hollow-formed gilt-bronze figure of Buddha sitting cross-legged on a lotus-flower dais, cradling a vessel in his left hand and touching the earth with his right hand in the Bhumisparsha mudra at the instant of his enlightenment. 1.5 kg, 22 cm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.