Description

This green jadeite idol dates from the HongShan culture around the 4th millennium B.C.
It probably depicts a mythological character (cf. bird’s tail at the back). Incisions are used to represent the details (nose, mouth, eyes, ears, border of the kimono, fingers or folds of the sleeves, 3 claws at the base). The headdress is traditional, ovoid in shape, and flat on the front. Many parts are crystallized and calcified (white limestone and brown areas).

This piece in this condition is rare, especially since most representations of the HongShan were centered on animals, discs and quite a few human-type characters. In addition, jadeite is much less used than nephrite and of course much more sought after.

 

Condition

Very nice patina. Crystallization and calcification on parts of the figurine. Superb general condition.

 

Provenance

Copy from an old French private collection (Assier – collected in the 1940s in China).

 

Reference

Idol from Christies HK

Some artistic similarities but much newer