Lot 1. A rare archaic jade dragon, Late Shang Dynasty; 3.6cm (1 1/2in) wide. Estimate 50,000-80,000 HKD. Sold for HK$ 1,025,000 (€ 112,200) inc. premium. © Bonhams 2001-2018
Carved in the form of a circular coiled dragon with its tail curving towards the head, the horns and eyes subtly carved in relief, the body incised with double-line scrolls, the top with a pierced hole, the stone of a buff tone with traces of cinnabar.
Note: Compare with a similar jade dragon, Shang dynasty, similarly carved with protruding eyes and double-line scrolls, illustrated in Compendium of Collection in the Palace Museum: Jade 2 Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, Beijing, 2011, pl.122.
Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 29 May 2018, 14:00 HKT, HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY