Description:

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A remarkable pair of nephrite jade carvings, each representing a recumbent pig. Rendered in a minimalist fashion, each animal presents a rectangular form that gently tapers to a flattened snout at one end, crowned by a pair of incised, triangular ears. A petite raised tail is shown at the opposite end, while the legs are incised on each side. During the Han dynasty, jade plugs were used to close off the orifices of the deceased, and tubular jade pigs were often placed in their hands. The magical powers of jade were thought to preserve the body, keeping it intact and safe from decay as a home for the deceased's soul. Additionally, pigs were considered a symbol of prosperity in ancient China and placing them in the hands of the deceased was meant to express a wish for wealth in the afterlife. Size of pig (both about the same): 4.375" L x 1.1" W x 1.1" H (11.1 cm x 2.8 cm x 2.8 cm); of custom case: 7.25" L x 6.125" W x 2.75" H (18.4 cm x 15.6 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: private Brighton, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired from Beijing Cultural Relics Store, Beijing, China in June 1992

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#189965

  • Condition: Both are intact and excellent with good preservation of incised detail and smooth surfaces. Accompanied by custom case and Chinese export receipt.

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November 22, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000