† A PALE CELADON JADE ‘TIGER’ PENDANT, WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

† A PALE CELADON JADE ‘TIGER’ PENDANT, WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY China, 6th to 5th century BC. Of flattened form, in the form of a tiger, the back arched, the tail curled to form an aperture, its mouth ajar revealing sharp fangs, and finely incised with eyes, nose, and C-scrolls at the body. Pierced at the neck for suspension. The semi-translucent stone of a pale celadon tone with light russet inclusions and areas of calcification. Provenance: U.S. collection. The authentication of this piece was conducted by Senior Fellow Gu Fang of the Institute of Archeology Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) on 12 July 2006, number 526, described as ‘Jade tiger’, dated to the Western Zhou dynasty, signed by Gu Fang, and notarized by Notary Noreen J. Lowery, New York. Gu Fang, born 1962 in Beijing, graduated from the Department of Archeology of the prestigious Beijing University in 1986. He later studied at the CASS where he is now working as a Senior Fellow specializing in Archeological excavations and research on Chinese Jades. Gu Fang authored several books on Chinese jades including 15 volumes on ‘The Complete Collection of Jades Unearthed in China’, one of the largest collections of Chinese jades to date. Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, few minor smoothened chips, and nicks. External Expert Authentication: A copy of the authentication report from Senior Fellow Gu Fang of the Institute of Archeology Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) accompanies this lot and will be transmitted to the winning bidder. Weight: 23 g Dimensions: Length 8.5 cm Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 23 September 2020, lot 568 Price: USD 403,200 or approx. EUR 450,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An archaic jade 'tiger' plaque, Eastern Zhou dynasty Expert remark: Compare the related curved form, the fine incision work and color of the jade. Note the larger size (14 cm). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.