Sale 205 Lot 120

CHINESE TANG DYNASTY VERTICALLY PIERCED FIGURE OF "FANG XIANGSHI". Patinated and incised light green and russet jade pendant, vertically pierced figure of "Fang Xiangshi", God in the ancient Nuo culture. "Fang Xiangshi" was believed to drive away epidemics and evil spirits. The worship of "Fang Xiangshi" first appeared in the Zhou dynasty. This piece is likely from the Tang dynasty. Height: 5.5 cm, 2 2/16 inches. Reference: A similar piece sold at Bonhams, Hong Kong, 30 May 2017 # 55; "The Songzhutang Collection of Early Jades." Note: The Tang Dynasty was a Chinese imperial dynasty that ruled from 618 to 907 CE.

NOTE: A copy of the consignor's purchase receipt will be provided upon request.
Estimate $500-800

PROVENANCE: Acquired in the early 1990s from Frank H. Crane's "The Hundred Antiques" store (Stirling, Ontario, Canada). Mr. Crane was a frequent visitor to Hong Kong where he acquired Archaic jades mainly from Mr. Lai Loy's well known and prominent shop near the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road. Mr. Lai (Chinese, 1926-2012) was the descendent of antique dealers from Guangzhou, China. In 2005, stones from the collection were verbally authenticated by Dr. Sarah Milledge Nelson (American, 1931 - 2020), a noted archaeologist and Distinguished Professor Emerita from the Department of Anthropology, University of Denver.