A Pair of White Jade Fittings, 19th century. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013
The ruyi-shaped upper section of each is carved on the front with peony, the sides have slits to fit onto a belt, and the back is open to accomodate the hinged lower section, which is carved in openwork as two confronted dragons. The semi-translucent stone is of pale greenish-white color. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) long overall (2). Estimate $12,000 – $18,000
Provenance: Lizzadro Collection, Chicago, Illinois, acquired prior to 1960.
Notes: Compare the pair of white jade belt fittings of this type and shape illustrated by Ip Yee, Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1983, p. 273, no. 247, and the pair sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2009, lot 137.
Christie's. A COLLECTING LEGACY: FINE CHINESE JADE CARVINGS AND WORKS OF ART FROM THE LIZZADRO COLLECTION (PART II). 19 September 2013. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. www.christies.com