Shang and Western Zhou: The Dynastic Cycle Emerges in Ancient China
Tue, Dec 20, 2022 09:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 46
Owl Pendant, Late Shang Period (1600-1100 BCE)
Estimate: $7,000 - $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 |
A similar sculptural pendant was discovered during the excavation of the tomb of Lady Fu Hao, wife, and consort to the Shang Emperor Wu Ding. The owl is carved in the round and is proof that works of fine art do not have to be monumental in stature to be a signifianct achievement. Its hooked beak is bends down and towards its chest. Its ears are turned out and flat against its head. Its wings are folded, and its tail-feathers curled underneath its rump forming a support point. The owl's body is decorated in hook shaped designs, the most prominent of which curves around the carpal edge of its wing. The jade is pale green, almost milky on one side, the other side has russet brown alterations that run deep into the stone. The suspension perforation runs directly down through the top of its head and out the underside.
Jade, With a certificate of authenticity issued by Gu Fang, Senior Fellow of the Institute of Archaeology Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS)
(#216)