Chinese Han Gilded Bronze and Jade Beaker
Han Dynasty, 206 B.C-220 A.D. A gilt bronze and Khotain moonstone quality jade beaker composed of a slender U-shaped body, bulbous stem and discoid foot, the applied handle formed as the head, neck and legs of a mythical bird, likely a fenghuang, with detailing to the creature's feathers, face, beak and limbs, body formed as the handle loop, wings carved in relief in the jade; the jade vessel body carved in relief with neat rows of volute scrolls, stylised petals in relief around the lower body and foot; some restoration. 709 grams, 14.5 cm high (5 3/4 in.). Acquired from Dandelion Fine Arts, Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, 1970s.Ex Prof. David Anderson collection.UK private collection, circa 2010.Accompanied by a copy of metallurgic analytical results, written by Metallurgist Dr Peter Northover (ex Department of Materials, Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group & Department of Materials, University of Oxford). Khotain jade was available between the years 69 B.C. and 101 A.D. as a result of a military treaty. It was sourced from the White Jade River. This object is believed to be produced for a notable client. The object's original patina, prior to restoration, suggested that the vessel was part of a ritual which involved exposure to intense heat. A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]