Lot 17J
Far East, China, Qing (Ching) Dynasty, ca. 1644 to 1912 CE. A very large black jade prosthetic phallus (dildo), well-carved to delineate the head and testes, with a zoomorphic creature with pointy ears, bulging eyes, and a curved beak/nose crouching over its base, with its long arms with incised fingers reaching forward and its kneeling legs with knees positioned directly behind the testicles and incised toes. Items like this one have an obvious use and are known from very early times in Chinese history. The Chinese court from the 8th century BCE onward, if not earlier, allowed only male eunuchs to serve in order to prevent the emperor's wives from bearing children by anyone but him. However, with many wives and only one emperor, the women in the emperor's retinue would certainly have partaken of an item like this, perhaps with the aid of a eunuch or each other. Another theory is that a piece like this could have served as a "butt plug" to contain an individual's chi after death. Size: 8.125" L x 1.375" W x 2.375" H (20.6 cm x 3.5 cm x 6 cm)
Yu, the Chinese word for jade, is also an idea - connoting steadfastness and reliability, mirrored in the carving techniques required to make pieces like this example. Throughout history jade has always been highly prized by the Chinese, even more than silver and gold. From ancient times, this extremely hard stone has been skillfully worked into ceremonial weapons, adornments, and ritual objects. Kings and nobles were highly decorated in jadeworks and after death, jade objects were placed with them in the tomb to accompany them in the afterlife. Consequently, jade became the material most associated with royalty and elite status. In addition, it was believed to be powerful following death, thought to protect the body from decay.
Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#123220
- Condition: Near choice if not choice. Some reddish earth deposits.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |