Shang and Western Zhou: The Dynastic Cycle Emerges in Ancient China
Tue, Dec 20, 2022 09:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 43
Feline Dragon Disc with Collar, Western Zhou Period, Shang Style, Attr. Sichuan Province (1066-771 BCE)
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $200 | $20 |
| $320 | $30 |
| $380 | $20 |
| $420 | $30 |
| $480 | $20 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,200 | $300 |
| $3,800 | $200 |
| $4,200 | $300 |
| $4,800 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $32,000 | $3,000 |
| $38,000 | $2,000 |
| $42,000 | $3,000 |
| $48,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $320,000 | $30,000 |
| $380,000 | $20,000 |
| $420,000 | $30,000 |
| $480,000 | $20,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
This circular disc is made of mottled, partially translucent, bright and dark green to slate blue nephrite. The jade takes the form of a coiled feline dragon with head distinguished by an open growling mouth marked by minuscule triangular teeth at one end and by a "quarter-note" shaped perforated tail at the other end. The spine is indicated by pairs of low dentils in profile. A circular collar rises on the inner side of the coil on both sides. Front and back surfaces carry two circular grooves created by a circular drill. The type is late Shang in date as represented by comparable examples from metropolitan Anyang, the late Shang capital, yet the object itself appears to derive from Sichuan. Circular discs with grooves are a common type unearthed from ceremonial pits at both Sanxingdui and Jinsha in Guanghan, Sichuan (Chengdu Kaogusuo 2006 and Sichuan Kaogusuo 1999).
Jade, Dia: 5 7/8 in. Th: 1 1/2 - 1/8 in. With a certificate of authenticity issued by Gu Fang, Senior Fellow of the Institute of Archaeology Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS)
(#1565)