Chinese

Archaic Jades
from Old Collections

舊藏中國古玉
AUCTION
12 October 2023
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Chinese Archaic Jades

from Old Collections

舊藏中國古玉
AUCTION
Thursday, 12 October 2023, 11 am CET

CATALOG AJ1023

EXHIBITION
2 - 10 October
Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm
as well as by appointment

GALERIE ZACKE
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ON DATE 12 OCTOBER 2023, AT 11AM CET

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VISIT US IN VIENNA Our gallery and auction showroom is located
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PREFACE
Dear Clients,
been specially designed to provide a seamless
this catalog contains 50 ancient and one dating from the
auction and exhibition experience. Chinese jades, two ritual bone Shang dynasty, the latter
carvings (lots 1013 and 1014) and selling for EUR 14,300 (fig. 2).
one ancient soapstone blade (lot The group of seven carvings
1048), coming without exception fetched a total of EUR 33,000,
from documented old provenances. driving the average up to EUR
At least two pieces are fragments of 4,700, or roughly six times of
originally larger carvings (lots 1012 what they previously went for
and 1043) and one figure shows in the UK.
heavy calcification and perfectly
preserved areas at the same time, fig. 2 At Asia Week New York in spring
AUCTION EXHIBITION JOIN US LIVE
Alexander Zacke thus serving as an interesting study 2023, two Shang dynasty jades
Senior Expert object (lot 1047). from the David Taylor collection
Open for Viewing 2-10 October 2023 on 12 October 2023, at 11 AM CET in our auction room or (fig. 3 and fig. 4) re-surfaced at
bid online at Zacke Live with the advantage of our premium The names of some of the previous owners may sound familiar Sotheby’s, selling for USD 91,440
Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, buyer’s terms without any additional online bidding fees. to lovers of archaic jades, among them being several collector and USD 76,200. These results
as well as by appointment Registration required: www.zacke.at. behemoths of the 20th century: were equivalent to ten times their
high estimate, and one hundred
Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) times of what they had achieved
Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) only two years earlier at auction in
Robert (1903-1968) and Isabelle de Strycker (1915-2010) the UK. In the Sotheby’s catalog,
Dr. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) David Taylor was described as a
Robert Rousset (1901-1982) fig. 3 “Scottish businessman based in
Sir Percival David (1892-1964) Belfast, Northern Ireland, who
Henry Dyer (1848-1918) traveled extensively in East Asia
David Taylor (1876-1958) in the early 20th century, when
Idemitsu Sazo (1885-1981) these jades are said to have been
acquired”.
While certainly all of the provenances above have interesting
back stories to share, the following one may stand out as While it should be noted that
exemplary for the current state of the global market for the two carvings at Sotheby’s are
ancient jades. indeed of exceptional quality and
also quite well preserved, unlike
David Taylor (1876-1958) was a successful businessman of Scottish several other jades in the Taylor
descent who was born in Northern Ireland into a rather prominent fig. 4 collection, this event of course
political family. His grandfather, Sir David Taylor (fig. 1), the family raised some eyebrows among
patriarch, was born in 1815 in Scotland, collectors, and here at Zacke we received numerous inquiries if we still
and moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland, had access to jades from the Taylor provenance.
in 1842. Only twenty-five years later,
in 1867, he was elected the city’s Two lots in the present
How to Find Us
mayor for the first time. In 1883, he catalog are from the David
was then elected once again, this Taylor collection. A yellow
Our new address is Sterngasse 13, 1010 Vienna. We’re located in the heart of Vienna’s iconic first district, only a seven-minute time serving two consecutive terms. jade ‘Kneeling Figure’ (lot 1033)
walk away from the Stephansdom. Our new gallery is easily reachable by public transport or car. David Taylor, the grandson, resided in dates from the Shang dynasty,
Belfast and owned several commercial and a pale celadon ‘Dragon and
buildings and businesses. He also had Phoenix’ ornament (lot 1004)
cke a substantial portfolio of securities, dates from the Western Zhou
r brü stocks and various other investments. period (fig. 5 and fig. 6). The
lzto
Sa fig. 1 During his travels to East Asia in the humanoid figure is remarkable,
se

early 20th century, Taylor acquired fig. 5 because the color of the jade
as

Ob
g

a notable collection of Chinese jades. He brought back 32 pieces to is simply magnificent, and the
or

Salz er
zt

grie e England long before the second world war, and the group of objects carving is exceptionally well-
l
Sa

s Do
tr. na
ust was kept in the family for nearly a century, well beyond David Taylor’s preserved, showing just enough
el-S r.
ur Sch passing in 1952. Only in 2020, at the beginning of the coronavirus natural wear, weathering and
Ste -A we
rn rc de pandemic, the whole group eventually surfaced at an auction house in erosion to the stone to reveal its
ga np
Wi sse Ma lat
z the United Kingdom. age of more than 3,000 years to
pp
lin
ge
rst
U1 the experienced eye.
r. U4 Whilst certain scholars may find an ancient jade collection from
Ho such a distinguished provenance an intriguing matter deserving of a You may observe that the starting
he
rM deeper inquiry, it appears that the auction house, perhaps in haste prices for these two lots do not
ar of completing the catalog to an upcoming sale, swiftly labelled the align with the recent sale results
kt
.r

entire group as archaistic, dating the 32 carvings without exception

st

fig. 6 of the Taylor pieces at Sotheby’s.

rm

as “probably Qing dynasty”. The collection was then split into 6 lots This is because here at Zacke,
tu
en

containing anywhere between two and nine jades each. Not all lots we firmly believe in allowing fate to take its course and let the market
t
Ro

sold the first time around, but eventually the entire assemblage went determine the prices for the lots in our auctions. In my humble
for a total of 22,900 pounds hammer, averaging roughly 715 pounds opinion, the current catalog serves as a prime illustration of this
Bä
ck
er per item. strategy, which has been a key principle of this firm since 1968.
str
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pl ha

Wo Zacke subsequently sold seven jades from this group between Good luck in bidding!
ep

llze 2021 and 2022, which can be looked up on www.zacke.at by

St

ile
Graben U1 Sch
using the search term “David Taylor”. Three of these were actually
ule
rst archaistic, dating from the Song, Yuan and Ming periods, but none
U3 r. from the Qing dynasty. Four were archaic carvings, three dating
from the Western Zhou period (one of these was only a fragment)
1001
A PALE YELLOW JADE
DOUBLE-HOLE ORNAMENT PLAQUE,
HONGSHAN CULTURE

China, Neolithic period, 3500-2500 BC. With two primary perforations,

the two semi-circular shapes connect in the middle. Four funnel
shaped piercings, two on each half, drilled through for suspension.
The smoothly polished, translucent stone is of a fine pale-yellow and
celadon tone with russet and chestnut-brown inclusions. Areas of
opaque creamy-white calcifications interspersed with gray speckles.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey

Beasley and thence by descent to his widow
Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above c.
1939 and thence by descent in the same family.
Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a
British anthropologist and museum curator
who developed an important ethnographic
collection during the early 20th century that
is now held in various British museums. With
Harry Geoffrey Beasley
his wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore
(1881-1939) (left)
Ethnographical Museum which eventually
held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys
collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction houses
and local museums to expand the collection, which contained material
from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote
numerous articles for anthropological journals and was considered an
expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with
the British Museum collections during the war, which was fortunate
as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the
war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley.
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age, with expected
wear and minor weathering, small nicks which have smoothened over
time. The stone with natural inclusions and fissures, some of which may
have developed into small hairline cracks over time.

Weight: 70.6 g
Dimensions: Length 13.5 cm

With an associated metal stand. (2)

This type of jade plaque, initially modelled with only two perforations,
is believed to originate from the Xinkailiu culture (c. 5300-4800 BC) and
continued to be produced in subsequent Northeast prehistoric sites
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
including those of the Hongshan culture.
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 9 October 2020, lot 35
LITERATURE COMPARISON Price: HKD 226,800 or approx. EUR 29,000 converted
Compare a closely related jade pendant, and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
dated to the late Neolithic period, see the Description: A celadon jade three-hole plaque,
Complete Collection of Jade Unearthed Neolithic period, Hongshan culture
in China, Volume 2, page 210 (fig. 1). Expert remark: Compare the related form and color
Compare a related pendant in the form of the jade. Note the three apertures and smaller
of a disk, 11.1 cm, dated to the Neolithic size (8.8 cm).
period, in the National Museum of Asian
Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession
Estimate EUR 4,000
number S2012.9.66. fig. 1 Starting price EUR 2,000

6 7
1002
A WHITE AND YELLOW JADE AX, FU,
NEOLITHIC PERIOD

China, c. 3rd millennium. The quite thick yet translucent blade is

elegantly shaped and of rectangular form flaring slightly toward the
sharp beveled edge, pierced from the front side with a hafting hole.
The jade is of a fine white tone with yellow and russet shadings as well
as cloudy inclusions, that look like lambent flames when held against
the sunlight (see detail image).

Provenance: Galerie Beer, Brussels, Weight: 108.1 g

20 June 1951 (according to an ancient Dimensions: Length 9.2 cm
family ledger inspected by Cabinet
Portier, Paris, France, during their LITERATURE COMPARISON
appraisal of the complete de Strycker Compare a related brown jade ax, 16.3 cm
estate; this ledger remains in the long, dated c. 3300-2250 BC, in the National
possession of the de Strycker family Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution,
and may not be copied). Collection accession number F1916.498 (fig. 1). Compare
of Robert and Isabelle de Strycker, a related green jade ax, 15.5 cm long, dated
acquired from the above and thence to the Neolithic period, in the British Museum,
Isabelle and Robert de Strycker,
by decent in the same family. Robert registration number 1937,0416.16. Compare
c. 1930-1935
de Strycker (1903-1968) was a French a related gray jade ax, 13.3 cm long, dated
engineer who specialized in metallurgy. He was a Stanford graduate, between 3000-2500 BC, in the British Museum,
a professor at the University of Leuven, a director of the Institute of registration number 1991,0223.2.
fig. 1
Metallurgy at the Université Catholique de Louvain, and one of the most
influential members of the faculty of applied sciences. After World War
II, he made large contributions to France’s post-war recovery. Robert AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
and his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered Chinese art at the Type: Related
British Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. Enamored with Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 November 2019, lot
the style and beauty, they both decided to study and collect Chinese 2740
works of art. In 1938 they eventually began to build their collection, Price: HKD 437,500 or approx. EUR 55,500 converted
buying from Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept close and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
contact with the famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-1977) Description: A jade axe, Longshan culture, circa 2500-
and noted Czech collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976). 2000 BC
Condition: Good condition with wear, minor signs of weathering and Expert remark: Note the larger size (13.9 cm).
erosions, minor chips and losses to the edges. The stone with natural
fissures, some of which may have developed into small hairline cracks.
Good ancient polish with an unctuous feel overall. Estimate EUR 4,000
Starting price EUR 2,000

8 9
 1003 Huang were a
AN IMPORTANT AND RARE JADE ‘MASK’ PENDANT, part of the elite
HUANG, LIANGZHU CULTURE adornments
during the Neolithic
China, circa 3300-2200 BC. Finely decorated to all sides and edges with period, especially
neatly applied incision work depicting cosmic cloud scrolls, the present within Hongshan,
Huang has a prominently carved godhead mask located at the center Liangzhu, and
of the front side, just beneath a zoomorphic bird head with a pointed Longshan cultures.
beak at the top. Both wings are pierced with funneled apertures for These were worn
suspension. The opaque stone is of a brown hue with beige clouding along with headgear,
and dark brown inclusions. knee decorations,
elaborate beaded
necklaces, and other
Provenance: From the Sir Percival David body ornaments all
collection, according to an old paper label made primarily from
reading “The Percival Collection, of Chinese jade. Dr. Elizabeth
Jades” and manually inscribed “Zoomorphic Childs-Johnson dubs
Figure”. Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley, these cultures a part
probably acquired from the above between of the ‘Jade Age’, a
1923 and 1939, and thence by descent to his period during which
widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William an abundance of jade Several versions of the godhead image of Liangzhu
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above c. objects accompanied jades (Childs-Johnson 2009, p. 349)
1939 and thence by descent in the same family. the elite burials for the
Sir Percival David
Sir Percival David (1892-1964) was a Bombay- first time. The imagery
born British financier who is best known as a scholar and collector of carved on these jade
Chinese ceramics, postal stamps, and jades. He became enamored adornments was
with Chinese art after his visit to China in 1923 and started the Percival highly standardized,
David Foundation to promote the research of Chinese art and culture. and the most
His collection grew to an astounding 1,700 pieces, which are now on prominent image,
display at the British Museum. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) which appears on
was a British anthropologist and museum curator who developed an this lot, is that of
important ethnographic collection during the early 20th century that is the godhead (also
now held in various British museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up called a spirit person,
the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than shenren, or an
6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects anthropomorphized
from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to deity). This image is
expand the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, flat, often covered in
Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles cosmic cloud scrolls,
for anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. and has zoomorphic
He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum attributes combining
collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore bird and semi-human
Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions elements.
of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum
in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the
A reconstruction of a
University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside Liangzhu leader based
County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold on jade paraphernalia
by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred found in various
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore Liangzhu elite tombs,
Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after prominently showing
Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene a Huang (Childs-
Beasley, including the present lot. Johnson 2009, pp. 158)
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive
wear and weathering, as expected, with rubbing and abrasion to the Literature comparison: Compare a closely related but much smaller jade
fine incision work, and some nicks and chips which have smoothened pendant with godhead incision work, 6.3 cm long, dated to the Neolithic
over time. The stone with natural inclusions and fissures, some of which period, Liangzhu culture, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian
may have developed into small hairline cracks over time. Calcification Institution, accession number S1987.734. Compare also a related jade
throughout. ornament with a mask godhead, 8.3 cm wide, dated to the Neolithic period,
Liangzhu culture, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number
Weight: 73.7 g 18.63.
Dimensions: Length 10.3 cm
Estimate EUR 8,000
With an associated metal stand. (2) Starting price EUR 4,000

10 11
 1005
A PALE GREEN JADE ‘PIG-DRAGON’, ZHULONG,
NEOLITHIC PERIOD, HONGSHAN CULTURE

China, c. 4000-3000 BC. Of iconic form with a coiled body and superbly
rendered head, subtly detailed with round eyes, a wrinkled snout, and
flared nostrils, the neck pierced with an aperture for suspension. The
partly translucent, smoothly polished stone of a pale green color with
russet patches, cloudy inclusions, and dark veins.

Provenance: From an old private collection in Budapest, Hungary,

acquired during the first half of the 20th century.
Condition: Good condition with expected old wear, traces of use, AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
natural erosion, and minuscule nibbling here and there. Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s Paris, 10 June 2021, lot 83
Price: EUR 327,100 or approx. EUR 363,000 adjusted
Weight: 86 g
for inflation at the time of writing
Dimensions: Diameter 6.2 cm
Description: An important celadon and russet jade
‘pig-dragon’, zhulong, Neolithic period, Hongshan
Considered to represent the prototype of depictions of mythological
culture
dragons in later Chinese art, zhulong are some of the most interesting
Expert remark: Note the size of this zhulong (8.5 cm).
creations of the Hongshan culture, and evidence the existence of a complex
belief system in supernatural forces. Jade zhulong have been recovered at
various tomb sites in Northern China, often placed on the chest of the tomb
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
occupants, suggesting they were worn as chest ornaments.
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s Paris, 10 June 2021, lot
Literature comparison: For other examples of pig-dragons carved in
Price: EUR 50,400 or approx. EUR 56,000 adjusted for
a similar style with a single aperture, compare with a dark green jade
inflation at the time of writing
example, 16.6 cm high, unearthed from Yangcheng, Bairin Right Banner,
Description: A rare and subtly carved celadon jade
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, now in the Bairin Right Banner
‘pig-dragon’, zhulong Neolithic period, Hongshan culture
Museum, illustrated ibid., p. 105, no. 9; a celadon one, 15 cm high, in the
Expert remark: Compare the size (6 cm).
Liaoning Provincial Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Relics, illustrated
in Hongshan wenhua yuqi jianshang, Beijing, 2014, p. 94, no. 1; and a third
example, 13 cm high, from the Irving Collection, sold at Christie’s New York, Estimate EUR 3,000
21 March 2019, lot 1180. Starting price EUR 1,500

1004
A PALE CELADON JADE
‘DRAGON AND PHOENIX’ ORNAMENT, The present ornament displays an elegant combination of two
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY zoomorphic elements, depicting a phoenix perched on top of a coiling
dragon, the contours rendered in double-line grooves, a style characteristic
China, c. 1100-771 BC. Of slightly tapering shape, carved on both sides of the Western Zhou period.
with a phoenix perched on top of a coiling dragon, the contours and
details rendered with double-line grooves. The translucent stone is Literature comparison: A similar example depicting the same motif but
of a pale celadon tone with patches of a cream-white tone and dark veins. of slightly different shape, is in the National Palace Museum Collection
(acquisition no. gouyu 611), illustrated in Art in Quest of Heaven and Truth,
Chinese Jades through the Ages, Taipei, 2012, pl. 5-4-6. Another example
Provenance: From the collection of David depicting similar motifs was excavated in Rujiazhuang, its line drawing
Taylor, and thence by descent within the Taylor illustrated in Teng Shu-p’ing, Collectors’ Exhibition of Archaic Chinese Jades,
family. David Taylor (1876-1958) was a notable National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1999, p. 35, pl. 30:5. A rectangular plaque
British businessman who lived in Belfast and depicting similar motifs is in the Palace Museum Collection, illustrated in
owned various commercial buildings along with Zhongguo yuqi quanji 2- Shang & Western Zhou, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl.
a substantial portfolio of stocks and shares. 242.
During his travels to China in the early 20th
century, he acquired many jades, including the
present lot. His grandfather, Sir David Taylor, AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
was born in 1815 in Perth, Scotland, and moved Type: Near identical
to Belfast in 1842, serving as its Mayor in 1867 Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 November 2017,
and for two consecutive terms in 1883 and lot 2743
1884. Sir David Taylor, Price: HKD 2,375,000 or approx. EUR 307,000
Condition: Fine overall condition, Mayor of Belfast converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of
(1867 and 1883-1884), writing
commensurate with age. Few tiny nicks,
grandfather of David Description: A very rare pale celadon jade ‘dragon
distinct signs of weathering and erosion, with Taylor (1876-1958)
the surface showing a silky matte surface as a and phoenix’ ornament, Western Zhou dynasty
result of long-time burial. The stone with natural fissures. Microscopic Expert remark: Compare the near identical form and
remnants of ancient pigment. decoration. Note the related size (10.5 cm).

Weight: 34.3 g Estimate EUR 8,000

Dimensions: Length 9.6 cm Starting price EUR 4,000

12 13
 1006
A PAIR OF C-SHAPED ‘DRAGON’ PENDANTS,
ERLITOU PERIOD TO SHANG DYNASTY

China, c. 1900-1050 BC. Both figures with curled bodies and upturned
noses, flat with a straight slit for a mouth and a small aperture for an
eye. Both consist of thin translucent celadon jade with dark cloudy
inclusions around the head and a magnificent ancient polish.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. The cover of the presentation
box inscribed ‘Joe. C. 1500 BC – 89 AD (Know too long a period).’ Harry
Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum
curator who developed an important ethnographic collection during the
early 20th century that is now held in various British museums. With his
wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained
The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America.
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley.
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot.
Condition: Good condition with expected wear around the edges,
as well as light weathering and erosion. Light scratches and light
calcification.

Weight: 4.6 g and 4.7 g

Dimensions: 3.9 cm and 3.9 cm

With an old presentation box and glass cover. (3)

Literature comparison: Compare a related jade notched pendant in the

form of a dragon, dated Erlitou period to Shang dynasty, c. 1900-1050 BC,
in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, accession number EA1956.1591.

Estimate EUR 4,000

Starting price EUR 2,000

14 15
 1008
AN ARCHAIC CEREMONIAL JADE BLADE, YUE,
NEOLITHIC PERIOD TO SHANG DYNASTY

Published:
Henry Trubner and Tsugio Mikami, Ancient Chinese Arts in the
Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1989, no. 108.
Roger Keverne Ltd., Winter Exhibition, London, 2004, no. 86.

China, c. 3500-1500 BC. The slender slab tapers toward the back
where there is a small hole drilled from one side. One long edge and
the cutting edge are beveled, and now slightly worn. A longitudinal rib
made by the saw runs along one face. The translucent stone is a deep
olive-green tone.

Provenance: Idemitsu Museum, Tokyo, Japan,

prior to 1989. Roger Keverne, London, United
Kingdom, 2004. Private English collection, acquired
from the above. The Idemitsu Museum of Arts
was opened in 1966 as an exhibition hall for the
private collection of Idemitsu Sazo. Idemitsu Sazo
(1885-1981) was a Japanese businessman, founder
of Idemitsu Kosan, a petroleum company, and an
important art collector. He acquired his first work
of art at the age of 20, which was a painting of Idemitsu Sazo
the Chinese monk Putai by Sengai Gibon. In later
years, his collection grew, culminating in a large
number of Chinese ceramics, paintings, jades,
and other works of art. Roger Keverne served
as the Chairman of Asian Art in London and as
the President of BADA. He began his 50-year
career with Spink & Son, rising to head the Asian
department by the age of only 28. He left Spink in
1992 to start his own gallery together with Miranda
Clarke, his wife and business partner, in Mayfair,
London, which eventually closed its doors in June
Roger Keverne with
2020. Prince Charles at
Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate Compton Verney
with age. Ancient wear, minor signs of weathering Art Gallery
and erosion, tiny nibbles. Minute chips to edges,
1007
one at the top has been smoothened probably millennia ago. The jade
A SPINACH-GREEN JADE AXE BLADE, FU, with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into small
NEOLITHIC PERIOD hairline cracks.

China, 3000-2000 BC. Of flattened trapezium form with rounded edges LITERATURE COMPARISON
and two circular hafting holes drilled from both sides. The dark green Weight: 68.1 g
Compare closely related jade axes dated to
opaque stone with areas of dark cloudy inclusions and russet flecks, Dimensions: Length 16.7 cm
the Neolithic period, from the collection of Max
reminiscent of a misty mountain landscape. Loehr, sold at Sotheby’s Paris, 15 December
Literature comparison: Compare a related jade blade in The Hubei
2016, lots 55 (fig. 1) and 65. Compare a related
Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, The Panlongcheng
Provenance: Shore Galleries, Chicago, Illinois, 1959, lot 357. An old jade axe, also dated to the Neolithic period,
Site: Report of Archaeological Excavation from 1963-1994, pl. CXVII, fig. 6.
private collection in New England, USA, acquired from the above. A copy dated 6000-3000 BC, 10 cm high, in the British
Compare a related jade blade illustrated in Liu and Capon’s book Masks
of a page from a typewritten auction catalog for the Shore Galleries Museum, registration number 1937,0416.15.
of Mystery: Ancient Chinese Bronzes from Sanxingdui, no. 36, p. 104.
auction where the present lot was sold in 1959, with the catalog entry Compare a related jade axe, also dated to the
Compare a related jade blade excavated by the Institute of Archaeology,
for the present lot describing it as an ‘Archaic green jade axe head’, as Neolithic period, c. 2500 BC, 15.5 cm long,
CASS, illustrated in Tomb of Lady Hao at Yinxu in Anyang, pl. 20, fig, 1.
well as a copy of handwritten collector’s notes for the present lot, ‘Not in the British Museum, registration number
Compare a closely related jade blade, 19.5 cm long, dated to the Neolithic
sure if jade but in a special lined box etc. An old burial piece – Probably 1937,0416.108. fig. 1 period, in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums, accession number
Han’, accompany this lot. The box with an old label, inscribed ‘Stone axe 1943.50.113, illustrated in Ancient Chinese Jades from the Greenville L.
from Han dynasty’. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, no. 1, pp.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Minor losses, AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
4-5. Compare a related jade blade illustrated ibid., no. 202, pp. 159.
signs of weathering and erosion, small nicks, minor chips, encrustations. Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams London, 7 June 2021,
lot 422 AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
Weight: 414.2 g
Price: GBP 20,250 or approx. EUR Type: Related
Dimensions: Length 15.5 cm, width 13.5 cm, aperture 1.4 cm (each)
29,000 converted and adjusted for Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 545
inflation at the time of writing Price: USD 16,250 or approx. EUR 19,000 converted
With a padded silk storage box. (2)
Description: A rare archaic spinach- and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
green jade axe blade, Ge, Neolithic Description: A mottled blackish-green opaque jade axe,
Knife- and axe-shaped blades made from stone were probably working
Period late Neolithic period, 3rd-early 2nd millennium BC
tools in Neolithic societies. Jade is hard but brittle, so the blades made
Expert remark: Note the length Expert remark: Compare the related form. Note the
from this beautiful material are unlikely to have been put to practical use.
(18 cm). darker color and the larger size (23.8 cm).
Instead, they would have been held by chieftains as symbols of authority.
Large quantities of jade blades have been excavated in different regions
in China, indicating their widespread use over a span of more than 3,000 Estimate EUR 3,000 Estimate EUR 4,000
years. Starting price EUR 1,500 Starting price EUR 2,000

16 17
1009 1010
A PAIR OF JADE BEAD ORNAMENTS A PAIR OF CYLINDRICAL ‘TAOTIE MASK’ JADE BEADS,
WITH GODHEAD MASKS, SHANG DYNASTY
SHENREN, LIANGZHU CULTURE
China, 1600-1046 BC. Of tapering form, both are carved with a finely
China, circa 3300-2200 BC. The tubular beads are carved in a detailed taotie mask. Each has a small piercing drilled through the
cylindrical form, tapered and rounded on the top and flat at the front, joining the main vertical tunnel, and the is back flattened. The
bottom, with two boldly incised masks, each with raised features, opaque stone is covered extensively with milk-white calcification and
including teardrop-shaped eyes joined by a wide bridge above a Weight: 5.3 g and 5 g some faint russet inclusions. (2)
bar-shaped mouth and a broad channel drilled from both ends. The Dimensions: 1.7 cm and 1.6 cm
opaque stone is covered entirely with calcified alteration, lustrous and Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley and thence by
ivory-white in color. (2) During the Neolithic period, especially within Hongshan, Liangzhu, descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William
and Longshan cultures, a large number of jade ornaments were buried Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above c. 1939 and thence by descent
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley and thence by with the elite. Beads like the one in this lot were worn along with headgear, in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British
knee decorations, elaborate necklaces, and other body ornaments all made anthropologist and museum curator who developed an important Harry Geoffrey Beasley
descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William
primarily from jade. Dr. Elizabeth Childs-Johnson dubs these cultures a (1881-1939)
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above c. 1939 and thence by descent ethnographic collection during the early 20th century that is now held
in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British part of the ‘Jade Age,’ a period during which an abundance of jade objects in various British museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up the
anthropologist and museum curator who developed an important accompanied the elite burials for the first time. The imagery on these Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than Weight: 2.7 g and 2.6 g
ethnographic collection during the early 20th century that is now held adornments was highly standardized, and the most prominent image, 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects Dimensions: Length 1.4 cm and 1.4 cm
in various British museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up the which appears on this lot, is that of the godhead (also called a spirit person, from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to
Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than shenren, or an anthropomorphized deity). expand the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, LITERATURE COMPARISON
6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles Compare a related tubular bead
from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to LITERATURE COMPARISON for anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. with taotie, 4 cm high, dated to
expand the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, Compare a related jade bead from He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum the Shang dynasty, in the National
Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles the Liangzhu culture, 2.6 cm high, collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian
for anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. dated to the Neolithic period, in the Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions Institution, accession number
He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum British Museum, registration number of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum S2012.9.428.
collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore 2022,3034.64. in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the
Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside
of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred Type: Related
University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside Type: Related William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore Auction: Sotheby’s London, 8 December 2022, lot
County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold Auction: Bonhams New York, 21 March 2022, lot 237 Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after 154
by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred Price: USD 62,812 or approx. EUR 62,000 converted Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene Price: GBP 88,200 or approx. EUR 106,000 converted
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Beasley, including the present lot. and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after Description: A Liangzhu jade bead ornament with Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age, with Description: A mottled pale gray jade bead, Shang/
Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene carved masks, Neolithic period expected old wear and minuscule, mostly smoothened nicks. The stone Western Zhou dynasty
Beasley, including the present lot. Expert remark: Note the similar style of carving and with natural inclusions and fissures which have developed into small Expert remark: Compare the similar form with a
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, with expected the calcified jade. Note the size (2.8 cm). hairline cracks over time. flattened reverse. Note the larger size (2.5 cm).
ancient wear, minuscule chips, some smoothened over time. The stone
with calcifications, weathering, and natural fissures, some of which have
developed into small hairline cracks over time. Estimate EUR 3,000 Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500 Starting price EUR 1,500

18 19
1011 1012
A JADE TORTOISESHELL-FORM BEAD, A JADE ‘TAOTIE MASK’ ORNAMENT,
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 1027 – 771 BC. Realistically carved in the form of a slightly China, 8th-3rd century BC. Of triangular section, finely incised to the
crested carapace, the bead has a single aperture extending between front with double-line grooves to depict two taotie mask designs, the
the two halves of the shell drilled longitudinally. The sloping sides are back with geometric decorations and a central groove leading to a
neatly incised with a lozenge pattern, deeply grooved at the ends. The pierced aperture at one end of the pendant. The translucent stone of
opaque stone is of a lustrous, ivory-white tone. a green tone with pale brown shadings, icy veins, and areas of creamy
white calcification.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley and thence by

descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above c. 1939 and thence by descent thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
anthropologist and museum curator who developed an important and thence by descent in the same family. With an old label tied to the
ethnographic collection during the early 20th century that is now held suspension hole, inscribed in ink ‘Face of “Big Nose God”. Part of Set.
in various British museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up the Zhou Dyn. Rare Central Pendant. Good Khotan Jade. 53-011.’ Harry
Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum
curator who developed an important ethnographic collection during the Harry Geoffrey Beasley
6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects (1881-1939) (left)
from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to early 20th century that is now held in various British museums. With his
expand the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Weight: 6.1 g
Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles Dimensions: Length 3.6 cm
for anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction
He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. Expert’s note: The fragmentary nature of the incision work, which is
collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, especially evident with the geometric decorations to the back, indicates that
Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was
1933 this pendant was repurposed from an originally larger jade which broke into
of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was pieces thousands of years ago.
in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the
University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside LITERATURE COMPARISON fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After
County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold A related tortoiseshell-form bead is the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred illustrated in Gugong bowuyuan cangpin Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology Type: Closely related
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore daxi: yuqi bian (Compendium of Collections and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, Auction: Christie’s New York, 18 March 2009, lot 297
Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after in the Palace Museum: Jade), Vol. 2, Xia, and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present Price: USD 40,000 or approx. EUR 52,500 converted
Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene Shang, Zhou, Beijing, 2011, p. 248, no. 302. lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Beasley, including the present lot. Compare also the similar jade tortoiseshell daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Description: A Rare White Jade Taotie Mask
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, with significant old illustrated by Jenyns, Chinese Archaic Jades to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Necklace Closing Device
wear, minor nicks and signs of weathering, small remnants of pigment in the British Museum, London, 1951, pl. XXIIc. Compare with a jade Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects Expert remark: Note the fragmentary nature of this
around the center. The stone with natural inclusions and fissures, some tortoiseshell-form bead, Western Zhou Dynasty (1027 – 771 B.C.), with from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. lot, evident from the interrupted design on the lower
of which may have developed into small hairline cracks over time. J.J. Lally & Co, New York, Nr. 63, Length 3⁄4 inch (2 cm). Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, nibbling, minor signs end of the carving. Note the similar size (4.2 cm).
of weathering and erosion with associated loss to one side. The stone
with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into small
Weight: 5.9 g Estimate EUR 2,000 hairline cracks over time. Estimate EUR 2,000
Dimensions: Length 2 cm Starting price EUR 1,000 Starting price EUR 1,000

20 21
1013
A RARE CARVED BONE FIGURE OF A TIGER,
SHANG DYNASTY

China, 11th century BC. Well carved in the round as a crouching tiger The tiger, called hu or laohu in Chinese, is among the most recognizable
with tucked-in legs, curled tail, and forward-facing head, the rib cage of the world’s charismatic megafauna. Originating in China and northern
neatly incised, the ears pricked and eyes open in an alert expression. Central Asia, the tiger was known to the earliest Chinese, who likely feared,
The bone has a superb, naturally grown, warm patina. admired, and respected it for its strength, ferocity, and regal bearing.
Though its precise symbolism in Shang times (c. 1600–c. 1046 BC) remains
unknown, the tiger doubtless played a totemic, tutelary, or talismanic role.
Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou By the Western Han period (206 BC–AD 9) – a thousand years after this
Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. E.4.13. Dr. pendant was made – the tiger was regarded as the ‘king of the hundred
Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat beasts’, or baishou zhi wang, due to its power and ferocity and especially for
and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou the markings on its forehead which typically resemble the character wang,
Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political or ‘king’. In addition, not only did the tiger figure among the twelve animals
figures of early 20th century China, remembered of the Chinese zodiac, but it gained a place among the auspicious animals
for his role as speaker and leader of parliament that symbolize the four cardinal directions – the White Tiger, or baihu, of the
during the turbulent years of the Republican era. west, the Azure Dragon of the east, the Vermilion Bird of the south, and the
Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career Black Tortoise of the north.
in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he
settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to Dr. Wou Kiuan,
Paris, November LITERATURE COMPARISON
the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous
1939
that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with Compare a related bone carving
an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London of a tiger, 4.3 cm long, dated 13th-
market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a 11th century BC, in the Metropolitan
collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually Museum of Art, accession number
every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect 1985.214.119. Compare a related bone
was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past carving of a tiger, 11.1 cm long, dated
scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is late Shang dynasty, 11th century BC,
unclear when Dr. Wou conceived the idea to create a place to house illustrated and exhibited by Eskenazi
his collection, but in 1968, he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai in Early Chinese Art from Private
Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the museum Collections, 3-25 November 2016,
became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting London.
dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the
galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Displaying AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
exceptionally well. Extensive wear, minor losses, chips, expected age Type: Closely related
cracks and other natural flaws in the bone, minor old repairs, signs of Auction: Christie’s New York, 22 March
weathering and erosion, encrustations. Note that the patina took more 2013, lot 1192
than 3,000 years to develop and therefore is not only spectacular in Price: USD 30,000 or approx. EUR
appearance, but literally one-of-a-kind. 36,000 converted and adjusted for
inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare carved bone figure of a tiger, late Shang dynasty,
Weight: 61.5 g
11th century BC
Dimensions: Length 12.5 cm
Expert remark: Compare the related pose, with similar coiled tail and
long muzzle, and patina. Note the size (11.1 cm).
Bone was widely used for both practical and decorative purposes in ancient
China. It was made into vessels, spoons, and personal adornments. With its
coiled tail and long muzzle, this bone carving of a tiger was probably used Estimate EUR 8,000
as an amulet or talisman, protecting its wearer from harm and danger. Starting price EUR 4,000

22 23
1014
AN ARCHAIC CEREMONIAL BONE CARVING,
SHANG DYNASTY

China, 14th-11th century BC. A thin fragment of a hip bone, likely from
a medium sized canine. Carved to one side with an impressive taotie
mask and two kui dragons within a key-fret (leiwen) border, all in deep
and high relief, adorned with neatly applied incision work, below a
further key-fret band. The solid bone is smoothened around the edges
with a fine sheen to the decorated surface.

Provenance: Galerie Wannieck, Paris, September to October 1942

(according to an ancient family ledger inspected by Cabinet Portier,
Paris, France, during their appraisal of the complete de Strycker estate;
this ledger remains in the possession of the de Strycker family and may
not be copied). Collection of Robert and Isabelle de Strycker, acquired
from the above and thence by descent in the same family. The display
stand with three old collection labels. Robert de Strycker (1903-1968)
was a French engineer who specialized in metallurgy. He was a Stanford
graduate, a professor at the University of Leuven, a director of the
Institute of Metallurgy at the Université Catholique de Louvain, and
one of the most influential members of the faculty of applied sciences.
After World War II, he made large contributions to France’s post-war
recovery. Robert and his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered
Chinese art at the British Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s.
Enamored with the style and beauty, they both decided to study and
collect Chinese works of art. In 1938 they eventually began to build their Isabelle and Robert de Strycker, c. 1930-1935
collection, buying from Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept
close contact with the famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-
1977) and noted Czech collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976).
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Possibly with
some old fills. Extensive wear, losses, natural imperfections including
foramina and fissures, encrustations, signs of weathering and erosion.

Weight: 29.2 g (excl. stand)

Dimensions: Length 9.8 cm (excl. stand)
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
Type: Closely related
With an old fitted velvet display stand, dating to the first half of the 20th
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 9 October 2022, lot
century. (2)
104
Price: HKD 378,000 or approx. EUR 46,000
Literature comparison: For other examples of rare Shang bone carvings
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of
with similar taotie decoration included in the exhibition Early Chinese art
writing
from private collections, Eskenazi Ltd., London, 2016, cat. no. 2. Compare
Description: An archaic bone carving, Shang
the carved bone example excavated from the tomb of the Shang royal
dynasty, Anyang period, 14th-13th century BC
consort Fu Hao, Anyang, Henan province, illustrated in Yin hsu Fu Hao
Expert remark: Note the near-identical size (9.4
mu, Beijing, 1980, pl. 179:1. A larger bone carving similarly adorned
cm), the related carving work and applied technique.
with ferocious masks and stylized cicadas, formerly in the Gibson and
Stoclet collections, is said to have been discovered together with five
other examples in Anyang, Henan; see Georges A. Salles and Daisy Lion- Estimate EUR 8,000
Goldschmidt, Collection Adolphe Stoclet, Brussels, 1956, pp. 328-31. Starting price EUR 4,000

24 25
1015 1016
A JADE ‘SILKWORM’ PENDANT, A PALE CELADON ‘FISH’ PENDANT,
LATE NEOLITHIC PERIOD TO SHANG DYNASTY LATE SHANG TO EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, c. 1300 BC or earlier. The pendant pierced vertically and China, 12th-10th century BC. The thick pendant is of curved shape and
carved in the form of a silkworm, incised at one end with its head, finely carved as a fish with subtle incision work at the back and neck as
detailed with large rounded eyes and slightly open mouth, the body well as large round eyes. The translucent stone with a good polish and
with stylized ‘comma-scrolls’. The translucent stone of a pale celadon of a pale celadon tone with dark specks and opaque areas of beige
tone with few dark inclusions and patches of opaque creamy-white and white calcification. One small hole for suspension.
calcification.
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and Beasley (1881-1939) and thence by descent
thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939 of Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933 1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who and thence by descent in the same family.
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th LITERATURE COMPARISON Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife Compare a related jade pendant in British anthropologist and museum curator
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which the shape of a silkworm, dated ca. who developed an important ethnographic
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The 10th century BC, 4.8 cm long, in the collection during the early 20th century that
Harry Geoffrey Beasley
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession is now held in various British museums. With
(1881-1939)
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained number 2006.398 (fig. 1). Compare a his wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. related jade ornament in the form of a Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than 6,000 objects
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects from across Weight: 7.2 g
silkworm, 7.8 cm long, in the Harvard Art
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to expand Dimensions: Length 6 cm
Museums, object number 1943.50.314. fig. 1
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa,
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles for Literature comparison: Compare a related jade fish, with similar sparse
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. He incision work, also dated late Shang to Western Zhou dynasty, 6.2 cm long,
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum in the British Museum, registration number 1947,0712.439.
Type: Related
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present November 2017, lot 2702 Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their Price: HKD 1,375,000 or approx. EUR of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum Type: Related
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor 182,000 converted and adjusted for in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Auction: Christie’s New York, 13
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. inflation at the time of writing University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside September 2019, lot 814
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects Description: A pair of jade silk worm- County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold Price: USD 50,000 or approx. EUR 53,500
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. form pendants, late Hongshan culture, circa 3500-3000 BC by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred converted and adjusted for inflation at the
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Wear, minor Expert remark: This pair of jade silkworm pendants is likely earlier William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore time of writing
nibbling, small chips, some of which have smoothened over time, signs and a prototype for the present lot, which is more stylized with its Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after Description: A White and Beige Jade Fish-Form Pendant
of weathering and erosion. The stone with natural fissures, some of ‘comma-scroll’ decoration. Note that this lot comprises a pair. Note the Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene Expert remark: Compare the related form, gills, fins and eyes. Note the
which have developed into small hairline cracks over time. size (4.4 cm). Beasley, including the present lot. size (7.5 cm).
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and minuscule
nibbles. The stone with natural fissures, some of which may have
Weight: 5.4 g Estimate EUR 2,000 developed into small hairline cracks. Estimate EUR 2,000
Dimensions: Length 4.5 cm Starting price EUR 1,000 Starting price EUR 1,000

26 27
1017 Weight: 7.1 g 1018
A DEEP CELADON JADE ‘FISH’ PENDANT, Dimensions: Length 7.3 cm A GREEN JADE ‘FISH’ PENDANT,
LATE SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY LATE SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY
LITERATURE COMPARISON
China, 11th-10th century BC. Of flattened form, finely carved as a fish . China, 11th-10th century BC. The flattened plaque finely carved in the
Compare a related fish-shaped pendant,
with a curved body and round eyes, the long dorsal fin rising along the 10.1 cm long, dated c. 1200-901 BC, in form of a fish with an elegantly curved tail and long snout, finely incised
spine and two smaller fins extending from the stomach, the mouth the British Museum, registration number with round eyes as well as gills and fins. The slightly translucent stone
with an aperture for suspension. The semi-translucent stone of a deep 1937,0416.82. Compare a similar pendant of a dark green hue with cloudy yellow inclusions, russet patches, and
celadon tone with areas of white calcification and pale russet clouds. fig. 1 gray calcification.
in the form of a fish, 6.2 cm long, dated Weight: 11.4 g
c. 1300-1050 BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Dimensions: Length 12.3 cm
.
Provenance: Collection of Robert and Isabelle de Strycker, and thence Institution, accession number S1987.473 (fig. 1). Provenance: Collection of Robert
by descent in the same family. Robert de Strycker (1903-1968) was and Isabelle de Strycker, and thence LITERATURE COMPARISON
a French engineer who specialized in metallurgy. He was a Stanford by descent in the same family. Compare a related jade fish, 12 cm
graduate, a professor at the University of Leuven, a director of the AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON Robert de Strycker (1903-1968) was long, dated to the Western Zhou
Institute of Metallurgy at the Université Catholique de Louvain, and Type: Related a French engineer who specialized
. dynasty, in the Minneapolis Institute fig. 1
one of the most influential members of the faculty of applied sciences. Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 10 in metallurgy. He was a Stanford of Art, accession number 50.46.361
After World War II, he made large contributions to France’s post-war September 2019, lot 37 graduate, a professor at the University (fig. 1). Compare a related fish pendant, 11 cm long, dated c. 1100-950
recovery. Robert and his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered Price: USD 17,500 or approx. EUR 19,500 of Leuven, a director of the Institute of BC, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number FE.141-1974.
Chinese art at the British Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. converted and adjusted for inflation at the Metallurgy at the Université Catholique
Enamored with the style and beauty, they both decided to study and time of writing de Louvain, and one of the most
Description: A calcified jade ‘fish pendant, Shang-Western Zhou Isabelle and Robert de Strycker,
collect Chinese works of art. In 1938, they eventually began to build their . influential members of the faculty of AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
c. 1930-1935
collection, buying from Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept dynasty applied sciences. After World War II, Type: Related
close contact with the famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891- Expert remark: Note the slight larger size (8.8 cm). he made large contributions to France’s post-war recovery. Robert and Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong,
1977) and noted Czech collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976). his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered Chinese art at the British 30 November 2020, lot 2271
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, signs of Estimate EUR 3,000 Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. Enamored with the style Price: HKD 60,000 or approx.
weathering and erosion, encrustations, minuscule nibbling to edges. Starting price EUR 1,500 and beauty, they both decided to study and collect Chinese works of EUR 7,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
art. In 1938, they eventually began to build their collection, buying from Description: A greenish-white jade fish-form pendant, Western Zhou
Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept close contact with the dynasty
famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-1977) and noted Czech Expert remark: Note the much smaller size (9.5 cm).
collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976).
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear,
losses, signs of weathering and erosion, scratches, chips, encrustations. Estimate EUR 2,000
Remnants of an aperture for suspension near the mouth. Starting price EUR 1,000

28 29
1019
A DARK GREEN JADE ‘FISH’ PENDANT,
SHANG DYNASTY Expert’s note: Half of the stone is translucent while the other is opaque.
With natural sunlight shining through, the translucent half is of a dark green
China, 1600-1046 BC. Of slender form with a single aperture in the color, bespeckled with dark brown flecks that create the appearance of fish
mouth for suspension. Mouth, eyes, and gills boldly carved with scales.
detailed incisions on the fins, a single character etched into one side of
the fish. The partly translucent stone of a deep-green tone with darker
shadings, giving it an almost black sheen. AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
Type: Closely related
Inscription: To one side, ‘gu’ (‘archaic’). Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 27
November 2020, lot 696
Price: HKD 52,920 or approx. EUR
Provenance: From an old private collection in Budapest, Hungary, 6,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
acquired during the first half of the 20th century. Description: A green jade ‘fish’ pendant, Shang dynasty
Condition: Very good condition with natural wear, commensurate with Expert remark: Note the size (5.9 cm).
age. Some weathering and erosion, calcification, minor nibbling.

Weight: 12.1 g Estimate EUR 2,000

Dimensions: Length 7 cm Starting price EUR 1,000

1021
A YELLOW JADE ‘FISH’ PENDANT,
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 11th-9th century BC. Of slender rectangular form with a single

aperture in the mouth. The mouth and tail flattened with carved
gills and fins. The translucent stone of a yellow hue with shades of
green, brown patches, icy and cloudy inclusions, and areas of opaque
calcification.

Provenance: Collection of Robert

and Isabelle de Strycker, and thence
by descent in the same family.
Robert de Strycker (1903-1968) was Weight: 8 g
a French engineer who specialized Dimensions: Length 10.3 cm
in metallurgy. He was a Stanford
graduate, a professor at the University Literature comparison: Compare a related jade fish silhouette, 8 cm long,
of Leuven, a director of the Institute of dated 11th-10th century BC, in the Harvard Art Museum, object number
1020 1943.50.409.A.
Metallurgy at the Université Catholique
A JADE ‘FISH’ PENDANT, de Louvain, and one of the most
LATE SHANG TO EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY Weight: 11.7 g influential members of the faculty of
Isabelle and Robert de Strycker,
c. 1930-1935 AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
Dimensions: 8.4 cm applied sciences. After World War II, Type: Related
China, 1200-1100 BC. Of slender form with a long snout, pierced with he made large contributions to France’s post-war recovery. Robert and Auction: Christie’s New York, 13
a small aperture, the body neatly incised to represent the gills, fins, his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered Chinese art at the British
LITERATURE COMPARISON September 2019, lot 818
and tail of the fish. The opaque stone of a mottled pale gray, creamy Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. Enamored with the style
Compare two similarly flat- Price: USD 12,500 or approx. EUR 14,000 converted and adjusted for
yellow, and dark brown color. Good, ancient polish with an unctuous and beauty, they both decided to study and collect Chinese works of
nosed fish pendants with inflation at the time of writing
feel overall. art. In 1938, they eventually began to build their collection, buying from
incised fins and tail in the Description: A greyish-green jade fish-form pendant, Western Zhou
British Museum, registration Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept close contact with the Dynasty, 10th-9th century BC
Provenance: From an old private collection in Budapest, Hungary, nos. 1937,0416.75-76 and famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-1977) and noted Czech Expert remark: Note the slightly larger size (12 cm), the losses to the
acquired during the first half of the 20th century. 2022,3034.130. collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976). fins, and the additional detail to the carving.
Condition: Good condition with signs of aged wear. Minor nibbling. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear,
The stone with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into losses, signs of weathering and erosion, nicks, calcification, minor
small hairline cracks. Estimate EUR 2,000 nibbling. Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,000 Starting price EUR 1,500

30 31
1022
A JADE ‘DEER’ PENDANT,
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 11th-8th century BC. The thick flat pendant finely carved as a
reclining stag with its head turned back, the animal well detailed with
round eyes, pointed ears, and tall antlers, the body subtly incised, the
pendant pierced through the deer’s long neck and the front hooves.
The opaque stone of a greenish-beige tone with dark and russet veins
and black specks.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who LITERATURE COMPARISON
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th Compare a related jade pendant in the form of
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife a stag, also dated to the Western Zhou dynasty,
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which dated ca. 1050-950 BC, 5.4 cm high, in the
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction Institution, accession number S1987.873.
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained Compare a pair of related jade deer, also
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. dated to the Western Zhou dynasty, 11th-8th
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was century BC, 4.2 cm high, in the British Museum, fig. 1
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was registration number 2022,3034.125. Compare
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was a related jade deer, also dated to the Western Zhou dynasty, 11th-9th
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After century BC, 4.1 cm high, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British number 24.51.14 (fig. 1).
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their Type: Related
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 November
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. 2017, lot 2737
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects Price: HKD 525,000 or approx. EUR 69,500
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. converted and adjusted for inflation at the time
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, minuscule of writing
nibbling, a tiny loss to the front hooves, minor signs of weathering and Description: A jade deer-form pendant, mid-
erosion. The stone with natural fissures, some of which have developed Western Zhou dynasty, circa mid-10th-mid-9th
into small hairline cracks. century BC
Expert remark: Compare the reclining pose and
similar dark veins. Note the size (4.6 cm).
Weight: 9.3 g
Dimensions: Length 3.6 cm
Estimate EUR 6,000
Starting price EUR 3,000

32 33
1023
A YELLOW JADE ‘TIGER’ PENDANT,
LATE SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, c. 1200-1100 BC. Finely carved as a crouching tiger in profile, its The present lot in raking light position
body decorated with finely incised double-line grooves, the ferocious
beast baring its teeth, its ears laid back and its tail outstretched in an
alert pose. The partly translucent stone of a pale-yellow hue with white
veins and icy inclusions.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey

Beasley (1881-1939) and thence by descent to
his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired
from the above c. 1939 and thence by descent
in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and
museum curator who developed an important
ethnographic collection during the early 20th
century that is now held in various British
museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up
the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of Harry Geoffrey Beasley
(1881-1939) (left)
ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected
objects from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local
museums to expand the collection, which contained material from LITERATURE COMPARISON
the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote Compare a related tiger silhouette of
numerous articles for anthropological journals and was considered an translucent pale green jade dated c. 12th
expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with century, 5.4 cm long, in the British Museum,
the British Museum collections during the war, which was fortunate registration number 2022,3034.120. Compare
as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the a related ornament in the form of a crouching fig. 1
war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British tiger, 10.8 cm long, in the Saint Louis Art
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology Museum, object number 485:1956. Compare a related pendant in
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, the form of a tiger, 5.7 cm long, in the National Museum of Asian Art,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present Smithsonian Institution, accession number S1987.553 (fig. 1).
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired several objects from Type: Closely related
Irene Beasley, including the present lot. Auction: Sotheby’s Paris, 15 December 2016,
Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate with age. Old wear, lot 9
signs of weathering and erosion, remnants of soil and pigment, Price: EUR 20,000 or approx. EUR 23,500
encrustations, minor chips, minuscule nibbling to edges. The stone with adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
natural fissures, some of which may have developed into hairline cracks. Description: Jade Pendant, Shang dynasty, c. 1200-1100
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and decoration with
similar double-line grooves. The present lot in normal light position
Weight: 26.8 g (excl. stand)
Dimensions: Length 11.1 cm
Estimate EUR 8,000
With an associated metal stand. (2) Starting price EUR 4,000

34 35
1024
AN EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF JADE ‘GEESE’
PENDANTS, SHANG DYNASTY

China, 15th-10th century BC. Each plaque is finely carved as a goose

with its characteristic long neck, hooked beak, bifurcated tail feathers,
and clawed feet. The large wings neatly incised with straight, curved,
and scrolling lines. The partly translucent stone of a yellowish-white
tone with large areas of creamy-white opaque calcification.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained LITERATURE COMPARISON
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. Compare a related jade pendant depicting a
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was similar bird, also dated to the Shang dynasty,
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was 4.9 cm long, in the British Museum, registration
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was number 2022,3034.112. Compare a related jade
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After pendant depicting a similar bird, also dated to the
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British Shang dynasty, 3 cm long, in the British Museum,
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology registration number 1927,0518.1 (fig. 1). fig. 1
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Type: Related
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 November 2017,
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects lot 2726
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. Price: HKD 625,000 or approx. EUR 91,500
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, minuscule converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of
nibbling, minor weathering, remnants of soil and ancient pigment. The writing
stone with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into Description: A Celadon Jade ‘Goose’ Pendant
small hairline cracks. Expert remark: Compare the related form, feathers,
feet, and eyes. Note the size (7 cm) and that this lot
only comprises a single goose.
Weight: 6.7 g and 5.5 g
Dimensions: Length 3.2 cm and 3.4 cm
Estimate EUR 6,000
With an old presentation box and glass cover. (3) Starting price EUR 3,000

36 37
1025 1026
A PALE CELADON AND RUSSET JADE ‘BIRD’ PENDANT, A JADE ‘BIRD’ PENDANT,
LATE SHANG DYNASTY LATE SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 1300-1050 BC. The flat stone worked in the form of a bird in China, 11th-8th century BC. The thick flattened plaque finely carved in
profile, perched on its claws, with a distinct round beak pierced with the form of a recumbent bird in profile, detailed with incised feathers,
a circular aperture for suspension, the head surmounted by a crest, sharp beak with pierced aperture for suspension, and round eyes. The
and finely incised with plumage. The semi translucent stone of pale opaque stone of a mottled greenish-brown tone with russet veins.
celadon color with russet inclusions and areas of white calcification.
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey
Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Beasley (1881-1939) and thence by descent
Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. E.3.21A-H. Dr. to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection
Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat of Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-
and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou 1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political and thence by descent in the same family.
figures of early 20th century China, remembered Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a
for his role as speaker and leader of parliament British anthropologist and museum curator
during the turbulent years of the Republican era. who developed an important ethnographic
Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career collection during the early 20th century that
Harry Geoffrey Beasley
in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he is now held in various British museums. With
Dr. Wou Kiuan, (1881-1939)
settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to his wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore
Paris, November
the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous 1939 Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than 6,000 objects
that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects from across LITERATURE COMPARISON
an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to expand Compare a related jade bird, dated to the Western
market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Zhou dynasty, 5.1 cm long, in the Minneapolis
collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles for Institute of Art, accession number 50.46.247.
every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. He Compare a related jade bird pendant, dated to the
was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum Western Zhou dynasty, 4.3 cm long, in the British
scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore Museum, registration number 2022,3034.111 (fig. 1). fig. 1
unclear when Dr. Wou conceived the idea to create a place to house AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions
his collection, but in 1968, he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Type: Related of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum
Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the museum Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 22 September in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting 2020, lot 248 University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside Type: Related
dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the Estimate: USD 8,000 or approx. EUR 8,700 County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2 April 2019, lot
galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history. converted and adjusted for inflation at the time by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred 3446
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear and of writing William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore Price: HKD 75,000 or approx. EUR 9,500 converted
weathering, little nibbling, and minuscule chips. Description: A calcified jade ‘bird’ pendant, Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Shang dynasty or later Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene Description: A celadon jade ‘bird’ plaque, Shang
Expert remark: Compare the related flat form, pierced beak, and Beasley, including the present lot. dynasty
Weight: 3.2 g
incision work. Note the slightly larger size (3.7 cm) and different color of Condition: Good condition with expected old wear, minuscule nibbling, Expert remark: Compare the related form and
Dimensions: Height 2.7 cm
the stone. Also note that this lot is possibly of a later date. small losses, tiny nicks, minor signs of weathering and erosion. incision work. Note the smaller size (4.7 cm).
Literature comparison: Compare a related jade pendant of a bird, late
Shang dynasty, 3.7 cm, in the Smithsonian Museum, accession number Estimate EUR 2,000 Weight: 8.6 g Estimate EUR 2,000
F1979.25. Starting price EUR 1,000 Dimensions: Length 5.7 cm Starting price EUR 1,000

38 39
1027
A ‘TWO FACE’ JADE PENDANT EXPERT’S NOTE
DEPICTING A MYTHICAL WATERBIRD, The placement of the aperture plays with the eye, creating the
LATE SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY appearance of a second head craned over the body. The back wing
of the bird extends out from the main body.
China, 1300-900 BC. The flattened plaque depicting the bird standing
in an upright position with a curved neck and long pointed beak, the
side wings represented by neatly carved scroll below the back wing
hovering above as if in a flapping motion. Pierced with a small aperture
to the neck for suspension. The partly translucent stone of a green
tone with brown and russet shadings and few dark specks as well
as creamy opaque calcification. The non-calcified areas show a fine
ancient polish.

Provenance: Collection of Harry

Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and
thence by descent to his widow Irene
Beasley. Collection of Alfred William
Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired
from the above c. 1939 and thence
by descent in the same family. Harry
Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a
British anthropologist and museum
curator who developed an important The Cranmore Ethnographical
Museum, 1933
ethnographic collection during the
early 20th century that is now held in various British museums. With his
wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction LITERATURE COMPARISON
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained Compare a related jade finial in the form of a bird, dated ca. 1300-1050
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was number S1987.667. Compare a related jade figure of a cormorant eating a
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was fish, dated circa 1100-901 BC, in the British Museum, registration number
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was 1937,0416.175.
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, Type: Related
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present Auction: Bonhams New York, 15 March
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their 2021, lot 16
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Price: USD 22,812 or approx. EUR 23,500
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired several objects from Description: A ‘Yellow’ jade mythical bird
Irene Beasley, including the present lot. Pendant
Condition: Good condition with minor wear, small nibblings, signs of Expert remark: Note the yellow jade and
weathering and erosion. The stone with natural fissures, some of which larger size (7 cm), compare the depiction and
may have developed into small hairline cracks. structure of the incision work.

Weight: 9.3 g Estimate EUR 6,000

Dimensions: Length 5.1 cm Starting price EUR 3,000

40 41
1028 1029
A JADE ‘BIRD’ PENDANT, A JADE ‘RABBIT’ PENDANT,
SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY LATE SHANG TO EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 12th-11th century BC. Of flattened shape, finely carved in the China, 11th-10th century BC. The thick flattened plaque finely carved
form of a bird in profile with a short sharp beak, large round eyes, as a rabbit depicted crouching with its feet tucked underneath, slightly
subtly incised wings, and a long curved tail. The translucent stone protruding rounded eyes beneath curved ears, and a short tail. The
shows a fine polish and is of a pale green tone with creamy-white and translucent stone with a good polish and of a white tone with russet-
dark-brown patches as well as icy veins and small areas of calcification. tinged creamy patches of calcification and dark specks. Small hole LITERATURE COMPARISON
One minuscule hole for suspension. above the front paws for suspension. Compare a closely related jade rabbit,
dated Shang to Western Zhou dynasty,
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and 1100-800 BC, 4.5 cm long, in the
thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William Cleveland Museum of Art, accession
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939 Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939 and thence number 1962.427. Compare a closely
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) related jade pendant of a rabbit, late
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who was a British anthropologist and museum curator who developed an Shang dynasty to Western Zhou dynasty,
Harry Geoffrey Beasley
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th (1881-1939) (left) important ethnographic collection during the early 20th century that is 3.5 cm, in the Smithsonian Museum, fig. 1
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife now held in various British museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up accession number S2012.9.852
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than (fig. 1). Compare two closely related rabbit-
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The LITERATURE COMPARISON 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects form pendants, dated to the late Shang
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction Compare a related jade pendant in the form from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to dynasty, excavated from tomb no. 2 at
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained of a bird, dated ca. 1050-950 BC, 5.2 cm expand the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, Jingjiecun, Lingshi, Shanxi Province, in the
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. long, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles for Shangxi Provincial Institute of Archeology,
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was Smithsonian Institution, accession number anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. He died and illustrated in The Complete Collection
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was S1987.547. in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum collections of Jades Unearthed in China, vol. 3, Beijing,
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was 2005, p. 62-63 (fig. 2). fig. 2
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions of the collection
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology Type: Closely related Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 22 April 2021, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside County Museum. Other Type: Related
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot 44 pieces, such as the present lot, were sold by his widow and, after her Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 3
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their Price: HKD 441,000 or approx. EUR 54,500 death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890- December 2021, lot 840
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor converted and adjusted for inflation at the 1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore Museum and became good Price: HKD 94,500 or approx. EUR 11,500
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. time of writing friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired converted and adjusted for inflation at the
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects Description: A white jade ‘bird’ pendant, Late Shang - Western Zhou a number of objects from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. time of writing
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. dynasty Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Significant Description: An archaic jade ‘hare’ plaque,
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, some Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and subtle manner old wear as expected. Small chips, some of which have smoothened Shang dynasty
weathering, soil residue, minuscule nibbles. The stone with natural of carving with relatively few incisions. Note that the jade is of a slightly over time. The stone with natural fissures, some of which may have Expert remark: Compare the related form, pose, and manner of
fissures, some of which have developed into small hairline cracks. purer color with less fissures and inclusions. Note the size (5.6 cm). developed into small hairline cracks over time. carving. Note the size (5.9 cm) and different color of the jade.

Weight: 11.7 g Estimate EUR 2,000 Weight: 10.5 g Estimate EUR 2,000
Dimensions: Length 6.7 cm Starting price EUR 1,000 Dimensions: Length 4.9 cm Starting price EUR 1,000

42 43
1030
A JADE ‘RABBIT’ PENDANT,
LATE SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 1100-1000 BC. Well carved in a dynamic position with the legs
bent underneath, the mouth open, the ears swept backward, and
short tail slightly upswept. Pierced through the neck for suspension.
The translucent stone of a pale celadon tone with black veins and
patches. Note the neatly incised and distinct double-line grooves
typical for the late Shang to Western Zhou period.

Provenance: Collection of Harry

Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and
thence by descent to his widow Irene
Beasley. Collection of Alfred William Weight: 18.5 g
Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired Dimensions: Length 6.1 cm
from the above c. 1939 and thence
by descent in the same family. Harry LITERATURE COMPARISON
Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a Compare a related jade rabbit with similar
British anthropologist and museum double-line grooves, dated to the Shang
curator who developed an important The Cranmore Ethnographical dynasty, circa 1200-1050 BC, 4 cm long, in
Museum, 1933
ethnographic collection during the the British Museum, registration number
early 20th century that is now held in various British museums. With his 1973,0726.117. Compare a related jade
wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which rabbit, dated 11th-10th century BC, 3 cm fig. 1
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The long, in the Harvard Art Museums, object
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction number 1943.50.305, illustrated in Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. in the Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 1975, p. 246. cat. no. 365 (fig. 1).
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After Type: Related
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British Auction: Christie’s New York, 13
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology September 2019, lot 817
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, Price: USD 52,500 or approx. EUR 58,000
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present converted and adjusted for inflation at the
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their time of writing
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Description: A dark green jade rabbit-form pendant, late Shang-early
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Western Zhou dynasty, 11th-10th century
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects Expert remark: Compare the related flat form, pose, and open mouth.
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. Note the smaller size (4.2 cm) and the lack of detailed incisions.
Condition: Excellent condition with some old wear, expected signs
of weathering and erosion, minimal nibbling, losses, encrustations.
Remnants of ancient pigment. Estimate EUR 8,000
Starting price EUR 4,000

44 45
1031
A JADE ‘ELEPHANT’ PENDANT,
LATE SHANG DYNASTY,
ANYANG PHASE

China, 13th-11th century BC. The thick flattened jade plaque finely LITERATURE COMPARISON
carved in the form of an elephant with an upward-curling trunk and a Compare a related jade figure of an
slightly open mouth, with thread relief and incised lines to express the elephant, dated Shang dynasty, 12th-11th
eyes, ears, and tail, as well as geometric decorations. The translucent century BC, 7.3 cm long, exhibited by J. J.
stone of a white tone with areas of creamy-white calcification, cloudy Lally & Co. in Ancient Chinese Jade: From
inclusions, and few dark specks. The tip of the trunk with a small the Neolithic to the Han, 10 March – 2 April
‘natural’ aperture for suspension. 2016, no. 21. Compare two related jade fig. 1
elephants carved in the round, excavated
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey from the tomb of Fu Hao, measuring 6-6.5 cm in length and 3-3.3 cm in
Beasley and thence by descent to his widow height, illustrated in Zhongguo gu qingtongqi xuan, Beijing, 1976, pl. 91.
Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William One of these elephants is also illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji,
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above Diaosu bian, vol. 1, Beijing, 1988, p. 51 (fig. 1). Compare the small jade
c. 1939 and thence by descent in the same figure of an elephant unearthed from tomb 1728 at the Shang dynasty
family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) royal cemetery site in Xibeigang, Henan province, illustrated by Lee (ed.)
was a British anthropologist and museum in Yinxu chutu qiwu xuancui (Selected Works Unearthed from Yinxu),
curator who developed an important Taipei, 2009, p. 216, no. 201; and the larger jade elephant of similar
ethnographic collection during the early form unearthed from tomb 1567 at the same royal cemetery, illustrated
20th century that is now held in various British Harry Geoffrey Beasley by Lee (ed.), op. cit., pp. 196-197, no. 175. Compare also the jade figure
(1881-1939) of an elephant simply carved as a small free-standing silhouette in the
museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up
the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than collection of the Tianjin City Art Museum illustrated in Tianjin shi yishu
6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. Alfred William Cowperthwaite bowuguan cang yu (Jades from the Tianjin City Art Museum), Hong Kong,
(1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore Museum and became 1993, no. 51.
good friends with Beasley. Shortly after Beasley’s death, he acquired a
number of objects from Irene Beasley, including the present lot.
Condition: Excellent condition with extensive wear, microscopic soil AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
encrustations and remnants of ancient pigment. Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 28
November 2019, lot 706
Weight: 12.3 g
Price: HKD 250,000 or approx. EUR 32,000
Dimensions: Length 4.8 cm
converted and adjusted for inflation at the
time of writing
During the Shang dynasty, the Central Plain of China enjoyed a warm
Description: A brown jade ‘elephant’ pendant, late Shang dynasty,
and humid climate and provided a suitable habitat for elephants. The
Anyang phase 1032
archaeological ruins of Anyang, one of the Shang capitals, yielded large
Expert remark: Compare the related form with similar upward-curling
amounts of ivory and elephant bones, indicating that the Shang nobility A PALE YELLOW JADE ‘TIGER’ PENDANT,
trunk and slightly open mouth. Note the different color, lack of thread
sacrificed elephants in their rituals. The Lüshi Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn
relief, and the size (2.9 cm).
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY
Annals of Master Lü) records the Shang people’s taming of elephants, “The
Shang people trained elephants, which they used to oppress the Eastern Yi China, 1046-771 BC. Of elongated flattened form, the arc-shaped
people. The Duke of Zhou consequently chased them with his armies to the Estimate EUR 3,000 pendant worked in the form of a crouching tiger with legs tucked
Jiangnan region.” Starting price EUR 1,500 beneath the body and a furcated tail that curls upwards, pierced at the
snout and tail. The translucent stone of a pale yellow tone with hues of Weight: 18.7 g
pale celadon, cloudy inclusions and areas of white calcification. Dimensions: Length 9.9 cm

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Expert’s note: Bi disks of the Neolithic period lost their attraction to early
Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. E.3.21A-H. Dr. Western Zhou dynasty nobility, leading to the repurposing of the circular bi
Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat into curved pendants that could be reworked by Western and Eastern Zhou
and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou craftsmen into attractive new forms. Such curved pendants, often in the
Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political form of birds or tigers, are frequently found amongst the artifacts from the
figures of early 20th century China, remembered tombs of Zhou period royalty (see image section). See Qian Yang’s thesis:
for his role as speaker and leader of parliament The Circulation of Jades in Early China (Late Neolithic – Eastern Zhou, ca.
during the turbulent years of the Republican era. 4500 -221 B.C.).
Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career
in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he LITERATURE COMPARISON
Dr. Wou Kiuan,
settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to Compare a related jade pendant
Paris, November
the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous 1939 depicting a tiger, 7 cm, dated late
that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with Shang to Western Zhou dynasty,
an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London in the British Museum, museum
market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a number 1945,1017.118.
collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually
every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect
was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is Type: Related
unclear when Dr. Wou conceived the idea to create a place to house Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2
his collection, but in 1968, he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai April 2019, lot 3435
Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the museum Price: HKD 93,750 or approx. EUR
became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting 12,000 converted and adjusted for
dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the inflation at the time of writing
galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history. Description: A jade ‘tiger’ pendant, Western Zhou dynasty
Condition: Old wear, some weathering, soil encrustations, surface Expert remark: Compare the related motif, form, and pierced ends.
alterations and traces of use, all as expected. Minor nibbling. The jade
was broken into three pieces and reassembled, with associated small
losses. Estimate EUR 2,000
Starting price EUR 1,000

46 47
 1033
AN EXTREMELY RARE YELLOW JADE
‘KNEELING FIGURE’, SHANG DYNASTY

China, c. 1200 BC. Exquisitely carved, depicted with the head facing
forward, the figure rendered kneeling with the body upright and the
hands resting on the knees, portrayed with large eyes, a broad nose,
and full lips, flanked by ears subtly detailed in thread relief, the chest,
back, arms, and thighs similarly decorated with scrolling motifs. The Kneeling figures of this type are among the rarest jade artifacts
back of the head pierced with an aperture. The translucent stone of a from the Shang dynasty. Examples carved with related features have
fine yellow tone with russet patches and veins. been found at the tomb of Lady Hao, dated to around 1200 BC, suggesting
that this piece was made at around the same time. While the identification
and function of these kneeling figures is a matter of speculation, their
Provenance: From the collection of David rarity suggests that “they are likely to have been extremely valuable and to
Taylor, and thence by descent within the Taylor have offered Fu Hao some sort of power or access to power” (see Jessica
family. David Taylor (1876-1958) was a notable Rawson, Mysteries of Ancient China, London, 1996, page 108).
British businessman who lived in Belfast and
owned various commercial buildings along with Ai Wei Wei notes about a kneeling jade figure from the Tomb of Fu Hao
a substantial portfolio of stocks and shares. that “Some people believe this small carving represents Fu Hao herself, but
During his travels to China in the early 20th I believe it’s more mythological than memorial in function — a ritual object
century, he acquired many jades, including the related to a higher power” (see Ai Weiwei on a Shang Dynasty jade from
present lot. His grandfather, Sir David Taylor, the tomb of Fu Hao, published in It Speaks to Me: Art That Inspires Artists,
was born in 1815 in Perth, Scotland, and moved 2019).
to Belfast in 1842, serving as its mayor in 1867
and for two consecutive terms in 1883 and The Tomb of Fu Hao is an archaeological site at Yinxu, the ruins of the
1884. Sir David Taylor,
ancient Shang dynasty capital Yin, within the modern city of Anyang in
Condition: Superb condition, commensurate Mayor of Belfast Henan Province, China. Discovered in 1976 by Zheng Zhenxiang, it was
with age. Ancient wear, signs of weathering (1867 and 1883-1884),
grandfather of David identified as the final resting place of the queen and military general Fu
and erosion, few tiny nibbles, natural fissures Hao, who died about 1200 BC. She was likely to have been the Lady Hao
Taylor (1876-1958)
and inclusions, one side with russet-colored inscribed on oracle bones by king Wu Ding as well as one of his many
encrustations. Overall presenting exceptionally well, with distinctive wives. The artifacts unearthed within the grave included 755 jade objects,
signs of age and burial, further adding to its remarkable appearance. including besides contemporary Shang jades also Longshan, Liangzhu,
Hongshan, and Shijiahe jades. It is to date the only Shang royal tomb found
Weight: 49.5 g intact with its contents and excavated by archaeologists, never having been
Dimensions: Height 4.6 cm looted probably due its considerable distance from other known tombs.

48 49
 LITERATURE COMPARISON
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
Compare a closely related jade
kneeling figure, dated late Shang, 13th Type: Related
century-1046 BC, 5.6 cm high, unearthed Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 22 March
from the Tomb of Fu Hao at Xiaotun, 2023, lot 639
Anyang, 1976, and now in the Henan Price: USD 91,440 or approx. EUR 81,500
Museum, illustrated 23 June 2023 on converted at the time of writing
www.alaintruong.com (fig. 1). Compare Description: An archaic jade bird, late Shang
three closely related jade kneeling figures / Zhou dynasty
from the Tomb of Fu Hao, exhibited by Expert remark: This archaic jade bird was,
the National Museum of China in Beijing. like the present lot, acquired by David
Five kneeling figures from the tomb of Fu Taylor in the early 20th century. Before it
Hao are illustrated in Tomb of Fu Hao at sold at Sotheby’s for $91,440, it was at an
Yinxu in Anyang, Beijing, 1980, pls. 129 auction house in England, offered in a mixed
and 130, together with two related jade lot of eight jade pendants dated “probably
heads, pl. 131, nos. 1 and 2. Compare Qing dynasty” which sold for GBP 3,200. For
a related jade kneeling figure, 4.3 cm a discussion on archaic jades and the current
fig. 1
high, dated 12th-11th century BC, in the asymmetries in the market, see the foreword
collection of the Harvard Art Museums, object number 1943.50.317, in the printed catalog for this auction. Note
included in the exhibition Ancient Chinese Jades, Fogg Art Museum, that like the present lot, this bird is similar in
Harvard University, Cambridge, 1975, cat. no. 121. style to a jade from the tomb of Fu Hao. Note
Compare a related jade kneeling figure from the collection of Jay C. the smaller size and mottled color of the jade
Leff at Sotheby’s New York, 25 October 1975, lot 98. Compare a seated (3.4 cm).
figure with knees raised, illustrated in Teng Shu P’ing, One Hundred
Jades from the Lantien Shanfang collection, Taipei, 1995, pl. 37, together Type: Related
with a jade head, pl. 36. Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 22 March
2023, lot 641
Price: USD 76,200 or approx. EUR 68,000
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON converted and adjusted for inflation at the
Type: Closely related time of writing
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2 April Description: An archaic jade owl, late Shang
2019, lot 3412 dynasty
Price: HKD 1,000,000 or approx. EUR Expert remark: This archaic jade owl was,
122,500 converted and adjusted for like the present lot, acquired by David
inflation at the time of writing Taylor in the early 20th century. Before
Description: An extremely rare white it sold at Sotheby’s for $76,200, it was at
and russet jade ‘kneeling figure’, Shang an auction house in England, offered in a
dynasty mixed lot of eight jade pendants dated “probably Qing dynasty” which
Expert remark: Compare the closely sold for GBP 3,200. For a discussion on archaic jades and the current
related modeling with similar pose, and asymmetries in the market, see the foreword in the printed catalog for
manner of carving with similar thread- this auction. Note the mottled color of the jade and the similar size (4.8
relief decorations, and pierced aperture cm).
to the back of the head. Note the
different color of the jade as well as the
Estimate EUR 30,000
smaller size (4 cm).
Starting price EUR 15,000

50 51
1034 LITERATURE COMPARISON
1035
A JADE ‘DRAGON’ PENDANT, HUANG, Compare a related jade huang with slightly A JADE ‘DRAGON’ PENDANT, HUANG,
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY different decoration and of similarly small WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY
size, dated Western Zhou dynasty, 9th-8th
China, 11th-8th century BC. The arc-shaped pendant neatly incised century BC, 5.8 cm long, in the Harvard Art China, 10th-8th century BC. The arc-shaped pendant incised to either
For an ancient
to either side with a stylized motif representing the dragon’s body Museums, object number 1943.50.623, side with a stylized motif representing the dragon’s body and legs, drawing of a
and legs, terminating at each end with an abstract dragon head. A illustrated in Max Loehr and Louisa G. terminating at each end with an abstract dragon head. A hole for huang with dragon
hole for suspension is drilled at each end. The translucent stone of a Fitzgerald Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from suspension is drilled at each end. The translucent stone of a white related to the
white color with pale brown shadings and creamy patches of opaque the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard color with cloudy inclusions. present lot, see
calcification. University, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 1975, cat. no. 328, p. 220. Wu Dacheng,
Gu Yu Tu Kao
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and (Investigations
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred into Ancient Jades
Beasley and thence by descent to his widow AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939 with Illustrations),
Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William Type: Related and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley 1889, Shanghai
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above c. Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 28 November (1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who
1939 and thence by descent in the same family. 2018, lot 2741 developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th Weight: 14.3 g
Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a Price: HKD 437,500 or approx. EUR 57,000 century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife Dimensions: Length 6.5 cm
British anthropologist and museum curator converted and adjusted for inflation at the Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
who developed an important ethnographic time of writing eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Auction result comparison:
collection during the early 20th century that Description: A celadon jade ‘dragon’ Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction Type: Related
is now held in various British museums. With pendant, huang, mid-Western Zhou dynasty, circa mid-10th-mid-9th houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 28 November 2018, lot 4
Harry Geoffrey Beasley century BC Price: HKD 225,000 or approx. EUR 29,500 converted and adjusted for
his wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America.
(1881-1939) (left) inflation at the time of writing
Ethnographical Museum which eventually Expert remark: Compare the related arc form and stylized dragon Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was
held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. Alfred William decoration (albeit in thread relief). Note the size (11.3 cm). considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was Description: An archaistic yellowish-celadon jade pendant, huang, Han
Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was dynasty or earlier
Museum and became good friends with Beasley. Shortly after Beasley’s fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After Expert remark: The difference between estimate (HKD 20,000-30,000) and
Estimate EUR 2,000
death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene Beasley, including the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British hammer price strongly indicates that bidders believed that this huang is not
Starting price EUR 1,000
the present lot. Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology archaistic and likely to be of an earlier date than the Han dynasty. Note the
Condition: Very good condition with extensive old wear as expected, and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, size (9.4 cm).
tiny nibbles, minor weathering. and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their Auction result comparison:
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Type: Related
Weight: 9.6 g
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 8 April 2023, lot 3807
Dimensions: Length 6.5 cm
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects Price: HKD 177,800 or approx. EUR 21,000 converted at the time of writing
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. Description: A pale greyish-celadon jade ‘dragons’ pendant, huang, Mid -
Condition: Fair condition, commensurate with age. Strong wear, with late Western Zhou dynasty
some of the incision work considerably worn off due to extensive Expert remark: Note the size (8.5 cm).
handling of the piece over a long period of time. Minor nibbling to
edges. Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

52 53
 The present lot in normal light position

1036
A JADE ‘DRAGON’ BI DISK, WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 10th-9th century BC. The jade disk is carved on both sides with
profiles of dragon heads and joined by scroll motifs. The contours and
details are rendered with double-line grooves. The translucent stone is AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
of a pale celadon tone with russet and brown shadings and veins. Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 28
Provenance: From an old private collection in Budapest, Hungary, November 2018, lot 2730
acquired during the first half of the 20th century. Price: HKD 437,500 or approx. EUR
Condition: Good condition commensurate with age with some ancient 57,000 converted and adjusted for
wear, minor chips and nibbles, signs of weathering and erosion. inflation at the time of writing
The stone with natural inclusions and fissures, some of which have Description: A celadon jade ‘dragon’
developed into small hairline cracks over time. disc, bi, mid-Western Zhou dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the
closely related circular form and
Weight: 177.3 g
decoration with similar double-line
Dimensions: Diameter 14.5 cm
grooves. Note the much smaller size
(6.1 cm). The present lot in raking light position
Literature comparison: Compare a related jade bi, 17 cm diameter,
dated to the Spring and Autumn period, ca. 7th-6th century BC, in the
National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number Estimate EUR 6,000
S1987.674. Starting price EUR 3,000

54 55
1037
A PALE CELADON JADE
‘BIRD’ CIRCULAR PENDANT,
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 10th-9th century BC. Well carved to both sides with single and
double groove lines to depict a bird with a hooked beak, coiled around
the central aperture. The translucent stone is of a pale celadon tone
with cloudy inclusions, dark specks, and areas of white calcification.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939 Harry Geoffrey Beasley
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939)
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th The earliest bi disks, which date to the Neolithic period, are undecorated,
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife The present lot in raking light position
and were crafted in a variety of colored hardstones. They tend to be large,
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which relatively thick, and sometimes slightly irregular in shape. Occasionally
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The slightly off-center, the central perforation was typically worked from both
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction sides, with the result being that a low ridge often encircles the middle of
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained the perforation, indicating the point where the tools met. By the Shang
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. dynasty, bi disks, though still undecorated but with the perforation
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was perfectly centered, were very regular in form, usually crafted in sea-green
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was or bluish-green nephrite, and generally thinner than earlier examples.
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was In the late Eastern Zhou, most bi disks were finished with a subtly raised
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After border around the periphery and another around the central perforation;
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British in addition, the surface of the usually pale greenish white stone, sometimes
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology enlivened with a splash of brown, was typically ornamented with an array of
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, small, spiral, or comma-shaped embellishments that are regularly spaced
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present and rise in low relief, known as guwen or guliwen, meaning ‘grain patterns.’
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their (For a short essay on the emergence, development, and decline of the late
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Eastern Zhou relief embellishment, see Marcel Loehr, Ancient Chinese
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum,
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects Cambridge, 1975, pp. 21-28.)
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot.
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, minuscule Literature comparison: Compare a closely related jade pendant disk, also
nibbling, remnants of soil. dated to the Western Zhou dynasty, 10th-9th century BC, in the Art Institute
of Chicago, reference number 1950.561. Compare a related jade pendant
Weight: 13.6 g in the form of a disk with dragons and bird, also dated to the Western Zhou
Dimensions: Diameter 4.8 cm dynasty, ca. 950-850 BC, 5.2 cm diameter, in the National Museum of Asian
Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S1987.628.
A Confucian text likely dating to the Western Han period, the Zhou Li,
or Rites of Zhou, states that the six ritual jades, or Liu Yu Liu Rue, comprise
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
the bi, cong, gui, zhang, hu, and huang, among which the bi disk and the
Type: Closely related
cong tube were by far the most important and the most long-lived. The bi, a
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 30
circular disk with a circular perforation in the center, was said to symbolize
November 2020, lot 2760
the sun and to have been used in ceremonies paying homage to the sun.
Price: HKD 250,000 or approx. EUR
As a parallel, the cong - an implement square in section, open at both ends,
32,500 converted and adjusted for
and with a cylindrical passageway connecting the two ends - was believed
inflation at the time of writing
to represent the earth and to have been used in ceremonies honoring
Description: A yellowish-green and
the earth. Alas, the exact meaning and function of the bi and cong remain
russet jade ‘bird’ circular pendant,
unknown, as those ritual implements originated in Neolithic times, more
Western Zhou dynasty
than 2,000 years before the Zhou Li was written. In all probability, that text
Expert remark: Note the closely
thus merely states the conventional wisdom held at the time of its writing,
related form, decoration, and size
which may or may not have anything to do with the implements’ original use
(5 cm).
and significance or their evolution over the millennia.

Estimate EUR 4,000

Starting price EUR 2,000 The present lot in normal light position

56 57
 1039
A WHITE JADE ‘DRAGON’
CYLINDRICAL BEAD,
LATE SPRING AND
AUTUMN PERIOD

China, c. 570-476 BC. The tall

bead of slightly tapering form is
carved to the sides in relief with
a stylized dragon motif of C and
S-scrolls. The semi-translucent
stone is of a fine white tone
with hues of yellow, brown, and
gray as well as areas of opaque
calcification.

Provenance: From an old

private collection in Budapest,
Hungary, acquired during the
first half of the 20th century.
Condition: Good condition,
commensurate with age. Wear,
signs of weathering and erosion,
nibbling. Minor losses.

Weight: 11.1 g
Dimensions: Length 8 cm

Literature comparison: Compare

with a similar columnar bead from
the same period in the Minneapolis
1038 Institute of Art, accession number
A JADE RING, HUAN, EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY 50.46.363. Compare a tall cylindrical
bead in the Asian Art Museum,
China, 7th-4th century BC. The slightly convex ring is neatly incised object number B60J589.
to both sides with two line borders enclosing six evenly spaced
interlocking-scroll designs. The translucent stone is of a grayish-white
AUCTION
tone.
RESULT
COMPARISON
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and Type: Closely
thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred related
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939 Auction:
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley Christie’s
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who Hong Kong, 29
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th November 2017,
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife lot 2749
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933
Price: HKD
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The 475,000 or
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction Weight: 11.4 g
approx. EUR
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained Dimensions: Diameter 5.2 cm
63,000 converted
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. and adjusted for
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was LITERATURE COMPARISON inflation at the
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was Compare a related jade ring, dated to the time of writing
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was Warring States period, 3.65 cm diameter, in Description:
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, object A white jade
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British number B60J569. Compare a related jade ring, ‘dragon’
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology dated to the Warring States period, 3.9 cm cylindrical bead,
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, diameter, in the National Museum of Asian late Spring and
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number Autumn period,
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their S2012.9.1313 (fig. 1). Compare a related jade fig. 1 circa 570-476 BC
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor bi carved with similar scroll designs, 12.2 cm Expert remark:
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. diameter, dated to the Spring and Autumn period, ca. 600-476 BC, in Note the much
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession larger size (15.5
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. number S1987.933. cm).
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, tiny nibbles,
minuscule nicks, remnants of soil. The stone with natural fissures, some
of which may have developed into small hairline cracks. Estimate EUR 3,000 Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500 Starting price EUR 1,500

58 59
1040
A GREEN JADE ‘DRAGON’ SILHOUETTE PENDANT,
MID-EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

China, 5th-4th century BC. Finely carved in the form of a dragon in

profile with neatly incised circular eyes, curling horns, and a prominent
pierced snout, the beast arching its body forward and curling its tail
in an S-shape. Each side of the body and tail is decorated with raised
comma spirals and pierced with two apertures. The translucent stone
of a deep green color with pale brown shadings, dark specks, and
russet inclusions.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939)
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who (left)
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Type: Related
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 28
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained November 2018, lot 2761
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. Price: HKD 475,000 or approx.
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was EUR 62,000 converted and
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was adjusted for inflation at the time
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was of writing
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After Description: A celadon jade silhouette ‘dragon and phoenix’ pendant,
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British Warring States period, 475-221 BC
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology Expert remark: Note the similar size (11.5 cm).
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their LITERATURE COMPARISON
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor Compare a related jade figure of a dragon dated to
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. the Zhou dynasty, 9 cm long, in the British Museum,
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired several objects from registration number OA+.36 (fig. 1). Compare
Irene Beasley, including the present lot. a related dragon pendant dated to the Warring
Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate with age. Old wear, States period, 9 cm long, in the British Museum,
signs of weathering and erosion, remnants of soil, encrustations, minor registration numbers 2022,3034.147. Compare with
chips, minuscule nibbling to edges. The stone with natural fissures, a closely related jade dragon silhouette pendant
some of which may have developed into hairline cracks. dated to the Eastern Zhou dynasty, 10.8 cm long, in
the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number
2009.94. fig. 1 The present lot in normal light position The present lot in raking light position
Weight: 21.8 g (excl. stand)
Dimensions: Length 10.8 cm
Estimate EUR 6,000
With an associated metal stand. (2) Starting price EUR 3,000

60 61
1041
A CELADON AND BROWN JADE BI DISK,
EASTERN ZHOU TO WARRING STATES PERIOD

China, 770-221 BC. Neatly carved on both sides in low relief with raised
bosses in the form of comma spirals within finely incised lozenges
formed by a grid of intersecting lines, within incised line borders
encircling the rim and enclosing the central aperture. The translucent
stone of a pale green tone with brown shadings, icy and cloudy
inclusions, and dark veins and specks.
The present lot
in raking light position
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and
thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. The presentation box with
three labels, reading ‘On[e] antique jade. China, 19[… 19]5053 750 […],’
For an ancient drawing of a bi
‘North China - along the Yellow River - classics,’ and ‘Ask me to interpret disk related to the present lot,
the symbolism.’ Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British see Wu Dacheng, Gu Yu Tu Kao
anthropologist and museum curator who developed an important (Investigations into Ancient
ethnographic collection during the early 20th century that is now held Jades with Illustrations), 1889,
in various British museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up the Shanghai
Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than
6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects
from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to
expand the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia,
Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles
for anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field.
He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum
collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore
Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions
of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum
in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the
University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside
County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold
by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore
Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after
Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired several objects from Irene Beasley,
including the present lot. The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933
Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate with age. Old wear,
signs of weathering and erosion, minuscule nibbling, and tiny losses
to edges which have smoothened over time. The stone with natural AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
fissures, some of which may have developed into hairline cracks. Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 3 December
2021, lot 2728
Weight: 178.5 g
Price: HKD 250,000 or approx. EUR 31,000
Dimensions: Diameter 15.7 cm
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time
of writing
With an old presentation box and glass cover. (2)
Description: A pale celadon and russet jade disk,
bi, mid Warring States period, c. 400-300 BC
Literature comparison: Compare a similar bi disk dated to the 3rd
Expert remark: Note the size (12 cm).
century BC, 17.5 cm in diameter, in the National Museum of Asian Art,
Smithsonian Museum, accession number F1917.85. Compare a similar bi
disk dated to the 3rd century BC, 17.5 cm in diameter, at the Art Institute Estimate EUR 4,000 The present lot
Chicago, reference number 1950.591. Starting price EUR 2,000 in normal light position

62 63
 1042
AN IMPORTANT YELLOW JADE ‘DOUBLE-BEAR’
ORNAMENTAL SEAL AND RITUAL PLAQUE,
SPRING AND AUTUMN PERIOD, CHINA,
CIRCA 770 TO 481 BC

Expert’s note (part I): This exceptional jade plaque, distinguished

by its remarkable preservation and rarity, encompasses the
craftsmanship styles of both the Shang and Zhou dynasties, as aptly
noted by Harry Geoffrey Beasley in his commentary on this artwork
a century ago (refer to provenance section below). It stands as an
extraordinary testament to the legacy of the Spring and Autumn
era. With a prestigious history, it was initially held in the esteemed
collection of Henry Dyer, a renowned engineer and collector from
Glasgow, Scotland, who was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun
by Emperor Meiji. Subsequently, it found its place in the museum of
Harry Geoffrey Beasley before eventually becoming part of the family
collection of Alfred William Cowperthwaite in 1939. In terms of quality
and condition, this jade plaque ranks alongside the finest surviving
archaic jades in the rich history of ancient China.

The accompanying written note by Harry Geoffrey Beasley describes the

present jade as a “Display Plaque” that combines designs from “the Shang
and Zhou” dynasties. He emphasizes its uniqueness and significance by
stating, “Unique and of extreme importance. Ex: Dyer Collection.” A copy
of this note, along with the presentation box in which it was discovered,
is included with this lot. Please refer to the provenance section below for
more details.

The plaque is entirely flat and exhibits meticulous carvings on both

sides, portraying two crouching bears positioned back to back. These bears
are intricately rendered with emphasized facial features and paws, all finely
incised in deep and high relief. Additionally, the plaque is adorned with
two stylized dragons on the back of each bear, accompanied by skillfully
executed geometric designs. These designs are masterfully crafted using
adjacent double- and single-line grooves, enhancing the overall aesthetic
appeal of the piece.

The absence of any drilled holes or natural openings that would allow
suspension leaves no doubt that this plaque was not intended to be
worn merely as a piece of jewelry or an ornamental item, neither during
one’s lifetime nor in the afterlife. Instead, it was specifically crafted as a
ceremonial centerpiece, likely revered and utilized in rituals spanning
generations. It probably also served as a seal plaque and was ultimately
interred alongside a significant noble leader. The substantial size of 12.8 cm A pencil abrasion
further supports this evaluation. of the present lot

The translucent stone is of a beautiful pale yellow tone with faint green
hues and a few distinct russet spots. Calcification throughout. Henry Dyer (23 August 1848 – 25 September 1918) was a noted Scottish
Engineer and collector of Asian art. He is principally remembered for
Provenance: his contributions to curriculum development for the Imperial College
- Henry Dyer (1848-1918), according to a copy of Engineering of the Meiji government of Japan, aimed at creating
of a handwritten note written by Harry Geoffrey young Japanese engineers of various industrial fields to achieve rapid
Beasley found inside a presentation box, which was modernization. Dyer designed a six-year academic curriculum which was a
custom made for the present lot by the orders of revised version of the Royal Indian Engineering College curriculum adapted
Alfred William Cowperthwaite. Most likely acquired to Japan’s specific scientific and technical needs. To provide practical
by Henry Dyer during his stay in Japan from 1873 training, Dyer helped set up the Akabane Engineering Works, the largest in
to 1882, where he was awarded the Order of the the whole Empire of Japan. Many of the major engineering works carried
Rising Sun, the highest Japanese honor available to out in Japan at the end of the 19th century were by his former students.
foreigners, by the Emperor Meiji. When Dyer left Japan, Emperor Meiji awarded him the Order of the Rising
-Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939), acquired from Henry Dyer Sun, the highest Japanese honor available to foreigners. Returning from
(1848-1918)) Japan, Henry Dyer brought back various artifacts and works of art, some
the above, probably after Dyer’s death in 1918.
-Irene Beasley, widow of Harry Geoffrey Beasley, by descent in 1939. of which were later donated by his descendants to the Mitchell Library in
-Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above in Glasgow, and Edinburgh Central Library. A number of East-Asian musical
1939 or shortly thereafter. instruments from his collection were lent to the National Museum of
-Thence by descent within the Cowperthwaite family to the last owner. Scotland in 1906 and eventually bequeathed in 1937. There are also 199
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Wear, East Asian works of art in the Special Collections section at The Mitchell
minuscule nibbling, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations, all Library, mainly composed of objects from the Henry Dyer Collection. Two
consistent with an extensive time of burial. Calcification throughout. archaic jades originally coming from the Dyer collection and then in the
Yumi Zhai Collection were sold by China Guardian in 2017.
Weight: 54.9 g
Dimensions: Length 12.8 cm

With an old presentation box and glass cover. (2)

64 65
Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and In the realm of early Chinese art, animal motifs can be classified into two
museum curator who developed an important ethnographic collection main categories: naturalistic and highly stylized. Regardless of the style
during the early 20th century that is now held in various British museums. chosen, the artists of these works consistently demonstrate a profound
With his wife Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum connection and intimacy with the depicted animals. It is worth noting that
which eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. the presence of these animal representations may or may not convey
The Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction religious connotations or symbolic meanings. Therefore, delving into the
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained significance of these images can provide insights.
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley
wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was considered The animal motifs found in early Chinese art can encompass depictions of
an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with fantastical creatures derived from imagination, as well as representations
the British Museum collections during the war, which was fortunate as the of real-world animals, or a combination of both such as found in
Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial the present lot. In either case, these motifs represent an innovative
portions of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal configuration within the context of archaic ritual art. When a jade object
Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, featuring an animal motif was purposefully designed and created, its
the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside intention was to provide a specific visual experience that would have been
County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold by his understood by the viewer.
widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters.
In instances where real animals are portrayed in a naturalistic manner,
Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the their realistic features are always prominently displayed. This deliberate
Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly emphasis suggests that the objects themselves where meant to be
after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene imbued with a sense of animated power, affirming the viewer’s existing
Beasley, including the present lot. knowledge and relationship with these animals. Overall, the use of animal
motifs in early Chinese art reveals the cultures’ profound connection and
Expert’s note (part II): understanding of the animal kingdom. The present lot in raking light position

The Spring and Autumn period was a time in Chinese history from c. 770 In ancient ancestral worship, wild animals including bear, tiger, and boar
to 481 BC which corresponds roughly to the first half of the Eastern Zhou were admired for their strength and craftsmen were mesmerized by their
period. The period’s name derives from the Spring and Autumn Annals, a resilience and shrewdness, inspiring them to carve exceptional objects.
chronicle of the state of Lu, which tradition associates with Confucius The present jade plaque has the stylized features of the crouching bears
(551-479 BC). While the aristocracy of the Western Zhou frequently sensitively rendered with skillful incisions. The overall representation is
interacted via the medium of the royal court, the collapse of central power abstract, with use of scrolling geometric motifs to convey the archaic design,
at the end of the first half of the Zhou dynasty left in its wake hundreds of but with key features including the paws, eyes, brows, nostrils and snarling
autonomous polities varying drastically in size and resources, nominally expression naturalistically depicted.
connected by bonds of cultural and ritual affiliation. During this specific
period, smaller noble lineages sought to enhance their cultural and ritual
Compare a closely related
influence by adopting a symbolic representation reminiscent of the once
plano-convex jade plaque,
powerful Eastern Zhou or Shang dynasties. The current jade serves as a
4.7 cm long, dated to the
compelling testament to these efforts.
late 7th to early 6th century
BC, in the National Museum
Notably, the plaque’s capability to also function as a seal, making
of Asian Art, Smithsonian
an imprint of remarkable clarity and thus leaving a lasting
Institution, accession number
impression, speaks volumes about its significance. The earliest
S2012.9.1129, and another
known examples of seals in ancient China date to the Shang dynasty
related plaque, which is
(c. 1600 – c. 1046 BC) and were discovered at archaeological sites at
completely flat, accession
Anyang. However, how exactly these ancient seals were used remains to be
number S2012.9.1224 (fig. 1). A
uncovered, because it is only from the Spring and Autumn period (771–476
plaque from the Song dynasty,
BC) onwards, that there is an increase in the quantity of seals paired
smaller in size, embossed and
together with textual references to them. fig. 1
carved in more detail, but with
a somewhat diluted, less fundamental and strict symbolic language is in
The Chinese employed leather, fabric, bamboo, wax, clay, pottery, and even
the same museum, accession number F1916.158.
bronze to imprint symbolic representations during the 1st millennium BCE.
However, these materials were either too ephemeral, heavy or expensive
for widespread use. Consequently, finding completely flat and even Literature comparison: Related craftsmanship is evident on a Shang jade
jade plaques from this period that show raised decorations suitable for buffalo in the Harvard Art Museum, illustrated in Max Loehr and Louisa
imprinting them onto another media is exceedingly rare. Only the adoption G. Fitzgerald Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop
of paper in the 1st century AD opened the door to the development of Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge,
widespread printing technology. The present artifact thus also holds 1975, cat. no. 148. The majority of early jade animal depictions are two-
historical value as evidence that advanced imprinting methods dimensional plaques: see for instance the jade water buffalo in the Mrs
were already present half a millennium earlier. Edward Sonnenschein Collection, Chicago, illustrated by Alfred Salmony,
Carved Jade of Ancient China, 1938, pl. XXIII (8), and the example in the
It is possible that another purpose of the motifs on the present plaque was Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, illustrated by Jessica Rawson, ‘Animal Motifs
to imprint the designs with washable dye, or blood, on the skin of human in Early Western Zhou Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections’,
participants during ritual ceremonies or similar occasions. However, it is Chinese Bronzes: Selected articles from Orientations, 1983-2000, Hong
important to note that no historical evidence has definitively confirmed Kong, 2001, p. 20, fig. 12.
such a practice in ancient China to date. While the speculation exists,
further research and documentation are required to establish the existence Estimate EUR 20,000
of this particular usage. Starting price EUR 10,000 The present lot in normal light position

66 67
1043 1044
A SMALL JADE ‘DRAGON HEAD’ PENDANT, A JADE ‘DRAGON’ MINIATURE PENDANT,
WARRING STATES PERIOD WARRING STATES PERIOD
China, 475-221 BC. Carved in the form of a powerful dragon head China, 475-221 BC. The flat arc-shaped pendant carved in the form of
profile, the pendant has a single aperture drilled through the nose a stylized dragon, its head with notched edges. The translucent stone
of the creature for suspension. The dragon with stylized curls and an of a green tone with few dark inclusions and one distinctive circular
open mouth finely incised. The smooth, partly translucent stone is of white inclusion which has been skillfully incorporated by the carver as
a pale green hue with russet inclusions and milky-white calcification the dragon’s eye. Pierced to the center with two small apertures for
throughout. suspension.
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and
thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley and thence by
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above c. 1939 and thence by descent
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who
in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) was a British
Harry Geoffrey Beasley developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th
anthropologist and museum curator who developed an important
(1881-1939) century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife
ethnographic collection during the early 20th century that is now held
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
in various British museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up the
Weight: 3.1 g eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The
Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than
Dimensions: Width 2.4 cm Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction
6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The Beasleys collected objects
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained
from across Europe, buying from auction houses and local museums to
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America.
expand the collection, which contained material from the Pacific, Asia, LITERATURE COMPARISON Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was
Africa, and Northwestern America. Beasley wrote numerous articles Compare a related ‘dragon head’ jade pendant, Huang, at Christie’s considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was
for anthropological journals and was considered an expert in his field. Hong Kong, 3 December 2021, lot 2737 (fig. 1). Compare the related stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was
He died in 1939 and his collection was stored with the British Museum dragon head with an identical aperture through the nose, 9.6 cm long, fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After
collections during the war, which was fortunate as the Cranmore dated to the Warring States period, in the National Museum of Asian Art, the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British
Museum was destroyed by bombing. After the war substantial portions Smithsonian Institution, accession number F1931.16. Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology
of the collection were passed to the British Museum, the Royal Museum The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933 and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum,
in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present
University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Merseyside
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their
County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present lot, were sold
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor
by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their daughters. Alfred
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley.
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects
Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. Shortly after
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot.
Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects from Irene
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, nibbling, minor signs
Beasley, including the present lot.
of weathering and erosion with associated loss to one side.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age, with expected
wear and weathering. Some small nicks which have smoothened over
time. The stone with inclusions and natural fissures, some of which may Weight: 1.1 g
fig. 1 Dimensions: Length 3.9 cm
have developed into small hairline cracks with time. Note that this was
most likely once the top of a Huang, which broke to pieces, and has
since been repurposed, probably already in ancient times. Estimate EUR 1,000 Estimate EUR 1,000
Starting price EUR 500 Starting price EUR 500

68 69
 1045
A RECTANGULAR GREEN JADE
‘DOUBLE DRAGON’ PLAQUE,
LATE WARRING STATES PERIOD
TO EARLY WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

China, c. 300-141 BC. Intricately carved, depicting two sinuous dragons

facing out from one another, striding towards the plaque’s border. The
partly translucent stone is of a dark green hue with distinct russet and
brown inclusions.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America.
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was
Harry Geoffrey Beasley fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After
(1881-1939) (left) the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley.
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired several objects from
Irene Beasley, including the present lot.
Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate with age. Old wear,
signs of weathering and erosion, remnants of soil, encrustations, minor
chips, minuscule nibbling to edges. The stone with natural fissures,
some of which may have developed into hairline cracks.

Weight: 38.5 g (excl. stand)

Dimensions: Length 10 cm

With an associated metal stand. (2)

AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 3
December 2021, lot 2723
Price: HKD 6,580,000 or approx. EUR
810,000 converted and adjusted for
inflation at the time of writing
Description: A very rare and finely
carved grayish-white jade reticulated
‘dragon and phoenix’ pendant, late
Warring States period to early western
Han dynasty, c. 300-141 BC
Expert remark: Compare the related double dragon design. Note the
different form and the closely related size (10 cm).

Estimate EUR 8,000

Starting price EUR 4,000

70 71
 1046
A SUPERB CELADON AND BROWN
JADE ‘DRAGON’ PENDANT,
WESTERN HAN DYNASTY Weight: 25.8 g
Dimensions: Length 6.1 cm
China, 206 BC-AD 8. Of flattened form, the S-shaped dragon is finely
carved in openwork with subtle incision work detailing the eyes, ears,
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
and mane of the dragon, and neatly decorated with spiral and cross-
Type: Related
hatched designs. The fierce dragon bares its teeth, the horn is pierced
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 November
with a small aperture for suspension. The translucent stone is of a
2022, lot 2727
celadon hue with a dark brown patch at the head, the horn and ear of
Price: HKD 2,520,000 or approx. EUR 294,000
a paler beige tone, the shadings of the stone skillfully incorporated by
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time
the lapidary.
of writing
Description: A jade dragon-form pendant,
Provenance: From an old private collection in southern Germany, Western Han dynasty
assembled via inheritance in the 1950s and acquisitions from the 1960s Expert remark: Compare the related flattened
to the 1980s, and thence by descent within the family. With an old label, form, modeling with similar head and curling mane and tail, and manner
‘Jade Hanzeit. C. OTV. Drache.’ (Jade, Han period, Dragon) of carving with similar spiral decorations. Note the size (7.7 cm).
Condition: Good condition with expected old wear, weathering and
erosion, minor nibbling, few tiny nicks, natural inclusions and fissures,
some of which may have developed into small hairline cracks. Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

72 73
 1047
A WHITE JADE FIGURE OF A PIG, HAN DYNASTY

China, 206 BC to 220 AD. Of elongated form, finely carved, detailing

the recumbent pig with ears tucked back, a prominent snout, incised
brows, and incised eyes outlined in red pigment. The opaque jade
once of superb and pure color, now covered almost entirely in
calcification, with several distinct areas of erosion. Weight: 102.8 g
Dimensions: Length 11.5 cm
Expert’s note: Studying a well-documented ancient jade figure,
with a bulletproof provenance such as the present lot, can be quite The present jade carving, with its curved bodyline and shaped snout
fascinating, especially when it exhibits distinct regions of natural and tail, is more realistically represented than most jade pigs from the Han
erosion while also retaining some parts of the original jade in pristine dynasty. A very similar jade pig dating to the late Eastern Han dynasty was
condition, all within the same artifact. In the past, esteemed Chinese unearthed from Tomb no. 1 in Dongyuancun in Haoxian, Anhui province,
collectors of archaic jades used to keep multiple such study pieces as illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji, vol. 9, Jade, Beijing, 1986, pl. 195 (fig.
references. 1). It was believed that jade pigs were placed for protection of the dead.
This practice is connected with the Daoist belief, as stated in the 4th century
Provenance: The personal collection of Robert text Baopuzi by Ge Hong, ‘when gold and jade plug the nine orifices, man
Rousset, acquired before 1935. Thence by descent dies but his body does not decay’. Pairs of jade pigs were placed in the
to Jean-Pierre Rousset. Robert Rousset was a hands of the deceased. Funerary jade pigs from this period are often carved
former French radio officer in the merchant navy, with a few deep calculated cuts, known as the Eight Cuts of Han.
who became one of the most prominent pioneers
of the Chinese art market in Paris. As a child, his Literature comparison: Compare similarly carved jade pigs, Han dynasty,
father, an insurance agent, would take him to illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade 4,
Hôtel Drouot where he started to buy at a very Beijing, 2011, p.130, nos.152-153.
young age. His true passion for Asian art started
in the 1920s, when he was sent on a mission to AUCTION RESULT
Beijing after the decline of the Qing empire, along COMPARISON
with Osvald Sirén, the famous Swedish Asian art Type: Closely related
historian and connoisseur. He then became one Auction: Sotheby’s
of the main contributors of Chinese antiques for Hong Kong, 8 April
the Compagnie de la Chine et des Indes, founded 2023, lot 3842
Robert Rousset
in Paris in the early 20th century by the Blazy Price: HKD 609,600
(1901-1982)
brothers. After the 1929 stock market crash, he or approx. EUR
had the opportunity to acquire the company. With his sister Suzanne in 70,500 converted at
charge of the porcelain, they developed the business and became one the time of writing
of the most important dealers in France, selling pieces to the greatest Description: A calcified jade recumbent pig, Western Han dynasty
museums, including the Musée Guimet and the Metropolitan Museum Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of carving,
of Art. calcification, and size (11.9 cm).
Condition: Some old wear, signs of weathering and erosion with
associated losses, encrustations, few minor chips, all as can be expected
from a jade with 2,000 years of age. Estimate EUR 6,000
Starting price EUR 3,000

74 75
1048
A RARE SOAPSTONE ‘TAOTIE’ CEREMONIAL BLADE,
HAN DYNASTY

China, 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD. The curved blade powerfully
carved to both sides with a two-horned taotie mask with sharply
detailed features such as almond-shaped eyes below elegantly curved Weight: 355.4 g
brows centered by a cross-hatched lozenge design, framed by ruyi Dimensions: Length 28.5 cm
and scroll designs, all above a pierced round mouth. The blade is
sharpened to one side, while the blunt side is pierced with two further The Taotie is an ancient Chinese mythological creature that was commonly
circular apertures flanking a neatly incised rope-twist design. The emblazoned on a variety of materials during the 1st millennium BC. The first
opaque stone is of a mottled buff color with extensive calcification historically confirmed usage of Taotie is in the classic Zuo Zhuan, a narrative
as well as russet and cloudy white inclusions. Nice polish, with an history of China written in 30 chapters between 722 and 468 BC, where it
unctuous feel overall. is used to refer to one of the Four Perils (Si Xiong), the four evil creatures of
the world: a greedy and gluttonous son of the Jinyun clan, who lived during
Provenance: Collection Huet, the time of the mythical Yellow Emperor. Within the Zuo Zhuan, taotie is
Paris. Hôtel des ventes Giroux, 22- used by the writer to identify a glutton.
23 February 1952 (according to an
ancient family ledger inspected by LITERATURE
Cabinet Portier, Paris, France, during COMPARISON
their appraisal of the complete de Compare two related
Strycker estate; this ledger remains soapstone animal masks
in the possession of the de Strycker unearthed in 1978 from
family and may not be copied). Western Han tombs in
Collection of Robert and Isabelle de Maxiping, Xupu (fig. 1),
Strycker, acquired from the above Isabelle and Robert de Strycker,
c. 1930-1935 and another unearthed
and thence by descent in the same from an Eastern Han
family. One side with an old collection label. Robert de Strycker (1903- tomb in Guojiapu, fig. 1
1968) was a French engineer who specialized in metallurgy. He was a Changde, all three now
Stanford graduate, a professor at the University of Leuven, a director of in the Hunan Provincial
the Institute of Metallurgy at the Université Catholique de Louvain, and Museum. Compare a
one of the most influential members of the faculty of applied sciences. related jade love token
After World War II, he made large contributions to France’s post-war ornament, depicting
recovery. Robert and his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered a similarly carved
Chinese art at the British Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. grotesque face, 12.4
Enamored with the style and beauty, they both decided to study and cm wide, also dated to
collect Chinese works of art. In 1938 they eventually began to build their the Han dynasty, in the
collection, buying from Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept Metropolitan Museum
close contact with the famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891- of Art, accession fig. 2
1977) and noted Czech collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976). number 18.43.14
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive (fig. 2). Compare a related jade hu-form vessel with a similar taotie mask
ancient wear from pre-burial worship, signs of weathering and erosion, handle, dated to the Eastern Han dynasty, at Sotheby’s Hong Kong,
encrustations, nicks, possibly minuscule old fills, the stone with natural 9 October 2020, lot 3.
inclusions and fissures, some of which have developed into small
hairline cracks. Naturally grown patina overall, with some areas of post-
burial wear to calcification. Estimate EUR 10,000
Starting price EUR 5,000

76 77
 1049
A PALE CELADON JADE SWORD POMMEL,
WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

China, 206 BC-8 AD. Of circular form, finely carved in low relief with
a central spiral design encircled by lappet motifs, all interspersed by
neatly incised cross-hatched designs and curved lines. The back with a
central circular aperture flanked by two small pierced holes. The stone
of a pale celadon tone with dark gray and cloudy inclusions as well as
areas of white calcification. Good polish and elegant luster.
LITERATURE COMPARISON
Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Compare a related jade pommel, dated ca.
Beasley and thence by descent to his widow 3rd-1st century BC, 4.6 cm diameter, in the
Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred William National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian
Cowperthwaite, acquired from the above Institution, accession number S1987.599.
c. 1939 and thence by descent in the same Compare various other pommels excavated
family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) from the tomb of the King of Nanyue and
was a British anthropologist and museum illustrated in Jades from the Tomb of the King
curator who developed an important of Nanyue, pls. 204, 210, 211, and 212.
ethnographic collection during the early
Harry Geoffrey Beasley
20th century that is now held in various British
(1881-1939)
museums. With his wife Irene, Beasley set up AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which eventually held more than Type: Related
6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. Alfred William Cowperthwaite Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 30 November
(1890-1964) was a contributor to the Cranmore Museum and became 2021, lot 461
good friends with Beasley. Shortly after Beasley’s death, he acquired a Price: HKD 176,400 or approx. EUR 21,000
number of objects from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. converted at the time of writing
Condition: Good condition with minor old wear, minuscule nibbling, Description: A jade sword pommel, Han
minor signs of weathering and erosion, and iron rust encrustations. The dynasty
stone with natural fissures, some of which have developed into small Expert remark: Compare the related form
hairline cracks over time. and design. Note the size (5.7 cm).

Weight: 21.3 g Estimate EUR 3,000

Dimensions: Diameter 3.8 cm Starting price EUR 1,500

78 79
1050
A CELADON AND BROWN JADE BI DISK,
WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

China, 2nd-1st century BC. Each side finely carved in low relief with a
dense pattern of raised bosses neatly arranged in a hexagonal grid
pattern, within narrow plain borders encircling the rim and enclosing
the central aperture. The translucent stone of a pale yellowish-green
color pale brown shadings, cloudy inclusions, and grayish-white
calcification.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which The Cranmore Ethnographical Museum, 1933
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction ‘grain patterns.’ (For a short essay on the emergence, development, and
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained decline of the late Eastern Zhou relief embellishment, see Marcel Loehr,
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was Art Museum, Cambridge, 1975, pp. 21-28.)
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was As demonstrated by this exquisite example, the late Eastern Zhou
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After preference for thin bi disks in white or pale greenish white jade marked with
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British brown persisted into the Western Han, as did the taste for subtly raised
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology borders and ornamented surfaces. In Western Han disks, however, the
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, relief embellishments are polygonal, rather than round or comma-shaped,
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present and they line up in very neat, regular rows and columns, in appearance
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their often seemingly diagonally set, that well-defined order clearly reflecting the
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor method with which the stone was worked. (Of course, the nearly arranged
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley. and regularly spaced spiral embellishments on late Eastern Zhou jades also
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired several objects from appear in regular rows, but usually not in both rows and columns or set on
Irene Beasley, including the present lot. diagonals.)
Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate with age. Old wear,
signs of weathering and erosion, minuscule nibbling, few minor nicks, Literature comparison: Compare a closely related bi disk with similar
tiny losses to edges which have smoothened over time. decoration, dated 475-100 BC, 13.7 cm diameter, in the National Museum
of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S1987.594.
Weight: 212.8 g Compare two closely related jade disks, also dated to the Western
Dimensions: Diameter 15 cm Han dynasty, 14 cm and 14.1 cm diameter, in the Grenville L. Winthrop
Collection at the Harvard Art Museums, object numbers 1943.50.545
A Confucian text likely dating to the Western Han period, the Zhou Li, and 1943.50.550. A jade disk of related size and decorated with a similar
or Rites of Zhou, states that the six ritual jades, or Liu Yu Liu Rue, comprise hexagonal grid pattern was included in the National Palace Museum
the bi, cong, gui, zhang, hu, and huang, among which, the bi disk and the exhibition and illustrated in A Catalogue of National Palace Museum’s
cong tube were by far the most important and the longest lived. The bi, a Special Exhibition of Circular Jade, Taipei, 2006, pl. 82.
circular disk with a circular perforation in the center, was said to symbolize
the sun and to have been used in ceremonies paying homage to the sun.
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
As a parallel, the cong - an implement square in section, open at both ends,
Type: Related
and with a cylindrical passageway connecting the two ends - was believed
Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015,
to represent the earth and to have been used in ceremonies honoring
lot 592
the earth. Alas, the exact meaning and function of the bi and cong remain
Price: USD 106,250 or approx. EUR 127,000
unknown, as those ritual implements originated in Neolithic times, more
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time
than 2,000 years before the Zhou Li was written. In all probability, that text
of writing
thus merely states the conventional wisdom held at the time of its writing,
Description: A pale greenish-white and brown
which may or may not have anything to do with the implements’ original use
jade bi disk, Western Han dynasty, 206 BC-AD 8
and significance or their evolution over the millennia.
Expert remark: Note the size (15.8 cm).
The earliest bi disks, which date to the Neolithic period, which are
undecorated and were crafted in a variety of colored hardstones, tend
AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
to be large, relatively thick, and sometimes slightly irregular in shape.
Type: Closely related
Occasionally slightly off-center, the central perforation typically was worked
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 November
from both sides, with the result that a low ridge often encircles the middle
2022, lot 2711
of the perforation, indicating the point where the tools met. By the Shang
Price: HKD 226,800 or approx. EUR 27,500
dynasty, bi disks, though still undecorated but with the perforation perfectly
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time
centered, were very regular in form, were usually crafted in sea-green or
of writing
bluish-green nephrite and were generally thinner than earlier examples.
Description: A carved jade disc, bi, Western
In the late Eastern Zhou, most bi disks were finished with a subtly raised
Han dynasty 206 BC-AD 8
border around the periphery and another around the central perforation;
Expert remark: Note the size (14 cm).
in addition, the surface of the usually pale greenish-white stone, sometimes
enlivened with a splash of brown, was typically ornamented with an array of
small, spiral, or comma-shaped embellishments that are regularly spaced Estimate EUR 4,000
and rise in low relief and that are known as guwen or guliwen, meaning Starting price EUR 2,000

80 81
1051
A JADE ‘MUSICIAN’ BELT PLAQUE,
TANG DYNASTY

China, 618-907. Of square form with slightly tapered sides, the top
finely carved in relief with a musician of Central Asian origin seated on
a mat and playing percussion instruments held in each hand. His robe
neatly incised with folds, his boots with decorative designs, a scarf
swirling around him. The back is pierced for attachment. The partly
translucent stone of a white tone with extensive opaque calcification,
showing a good surface polish and beautiful luster.

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939) and

thence by descent to his widow Irene Beasley. Collection of Alfred
William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired from the above c. 1939
and thence by descent in the same family. Harry Geoffrey Beasley
(1881-1939) was a British anthropologist and museum curator who
developed an important ethnographic collection during the early 20th Harry Geoffrey Beasley
century that is now held in various British museums. With his wife (1881-1939) (left)
Irene, Beasley set up the Cranmore Ethnographical Museum which
eventually held more than 6,000 objects of ethnographical interest. The
Beasleys collected objects from across Europe, buying from auction LITERATURE COMPARISON
houses and local museums to expand the collection, which contained Compare two related jade belt plaques
material from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Northwestern America. decorated with foreign figures playing musical
Beasley wrote numerous articles for anthropological journals and was instruments, illustrated in Jadeware (II) - The
considered an expert in his field. He died in 1939 and his collection was Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace
stored with the British Museum collections during the war, which was Museum, Hong Kong, 1995, pls. 22 and 23.
fortunate as the Cranmore Museum was destroyed by bombing. After Compare a set of ten belt plaques (fig. 1 -
the war substantial portions of the collection were passed to the British one element) of this type the Metropolitan
Museum, the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, the Museum of Archaeology Museum of Art, accession number
and Anthropology, the University of Cambridge, the Pitt Rivers Museum, 1992.165.22a–j, described as depicting
and the Merseyside County Museum. Other pieces, such as the present dancers and musicians of Central Asian origin,
lot, were sold by his widow and, after her death in 1974, by their probably of Kizil ethnicity. fig. 1
daughters. Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964) was a contributor
to the Cranmore Museum and became good friends with Harry Beasley.
Shortly after Harry Beasley’s death, he acquired a number of objects AUCTION RESULT
from Irene Beasley, including the present lot. COMPARISON
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, tiny nicks Type: Closely related
and minuscule chips to edges which have smoothened over time. Auction: Bonhams London,
The pierced apertures with remnants of corrosion from ancient metal 12 May 2022, lot 16
fittings. Some malachite and cuprite encrustations to the stone in these Price: GBP 63,300 or approx.
areas. EUR 81,500 converted and
adjusted for inflation at the
time of writing
Weight: 30.5 g
Description: Two very pale green jade square belt plaques, Tang
Dimensions: Size 4.7 x 4.8 cm
dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and design. Note
Plaques such as the present example were produced from the early
that this lot comprises two belt plaques. Note the smaller size (3.9 cm).
Tang dynasty in sets to adorn belts, with each plaque variously carved with
musicians playing different instruments or as servers bearing tribute. Many
of the figures are dressed in Central Asian style, in keeping with the fashion Estimate EUR 6,000
seen on foreigners in the Tang dynasty capital. Starting price EUR 3,000

82 83
 1052
AN ARCHAISTIC YELLOW JADE
‘DRAGON AND PHEONIX’ PENDANT,
SONG TO MING DYNASTY

China, 960-1644. Of flattened form, finely carved in openwork on

both sides as a dragon shown in profile, intertwined with a phoenix,
the body issuing a further bird head. The surface decorated with dots
and comma scrolls, some of which are interconnected. The smooth,
superbly polished, translucent stone is of a fine yellow tone with pale
brown shadings.

The present lot in raking light position

Provenance: Collection of Robert and
Isabelle de Strycker, acquired from
the above and thence by descent in
the same family. One side with an old
collection label. Robert de Strycker
(1903-1968) was a French engineer
who specialized in metallurgy. He was
a Stanford graduate, a professor at
the University of Leuven, a director
of the Institute of Metallurgy at the
Université Catholique de Louvain, and Isabelle and Robert de Strycker,
c. 1930-1935
one of the most influential members
of the faculty of applied sciences. After World War II, he made large
contributions to France’s post-war recovery. Robert and his wife Isabelle
(1915-2010) first encountered Chinese art at the British Museum during
a stay in London in the 1930s. Enamored with the style and beauty, they
both decided to study and collect Chinese works of art. In 1938 they
eventually began to build their collection, buying from Belgian, Parisian,
and English dealers. They kept close contact with the famous English
collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-1977) and noted Czech collector and
expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976).
Condition: Very good condition with only minor old wear. The stone
with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into small
hairlines. Magnificent ancient polish with a decent sheen overall.

Weight: 48.3 g
Dimensions: Length 10.7 cm

AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 25
September 2020, lot 1766
Price: USD 11,875 or approx. EUR
13,000 converted and adjusted for
inflation at the time of writing
Description: A pale gray jade
archaistic ‘dragon’ pendant, Song-
Ming dynasty
Expert remark: Note the size
(12 cm).

Estimate EUR 6,000

Starting price EUR 3,000 The present lot in normal light position

84 85
1053
A GRAY JADE ‘DRAGON’ PENDANT,
LATE MING TO EARLY QING DYNASTY

China, 17th/18th century. Of flattened form and finely carved in

openwork to depict a coiling dragon, the body neatly decorated with
partly interlocking C-scrolls, curling horn, long tail, beard, hair, flaring
nostrils, and open mouth subtly incised. The opaque jade of a fine gray
tone with cloudy dark-gray and black inclusions. Excellent polish, the
surface with an unctuous feel overall.

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan.

Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. Q.S.123. Two old
paper labels, one mentioning a purchase date of
1935, and referring to the Beasley collection. Dr.
Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat
and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou
Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political
figures of early 20th century China, remembered
for his role as speaker and leader of parliament
during the turbulent years of the Republican era.
Dr. Wou Kiuan,
Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career
Paris, November
in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he 1939
settled in London and devoted the rest of his life Weight: 19.7 g
to the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou’s Dimensions: Length 5.8 cm
years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional
Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late AUCTION RESULT COMPARISON
1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that Type: Related
together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 27
heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the November 2018, lot 140
relics of China’s rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to Price: HKD 150,000 or approx. EUR 18,500
promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived converted and adjusted for inflation at the
the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968, he time of writing
opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his Description: A rare yellow and russet jade ‘dragon’ carving, 17th/18th
father. Over the years the museum became a ‘must see’ destination for century
collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of carving with
in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China’s similar C-scrolls, openwork, and incision work. Note the slightly more
glorious history. rounded form, yellow and russet color, and the size (8 cm).
Condition: Good condition with some wear, minor signs of weathering
and erosion, nibbling, small nicks. The stone with natural fissures, some
of which have developed into small hairline cracks. Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

86 87
TERMS OF AUCTION

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