A PALE CELADON AND RUSSET JADE BIRD PENDANT, LATE SHANG DYNASTY

A PALE CELADON AND RUSSET JADE 'BIRD' PENDANT, LATE SHANG DYNASTY
China, 1300-1050 BC. Flat stone worked in the form of a bird in profile, perched on its claws, with a distinct round beak pierced with a circular aperture for suspension, the head surmounted by a crest, and finely incised with plumage. Semi translucent stone of pale celadon color with russet inclusions and areas of white calcification.
Provenance
: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. E.3.21A-H. Dr. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was without doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou's years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou's drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China's rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968 he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years, the museum became a 'must see' destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China's glorious history.
Condition
: Very good condition with expected old wear and weathering, little nibbling, and minuscule chips.
Weight: 3.2 g
Dimensions: Height 2.7 cm
Literature comparison:
Compare a related jade pendant of a bird, late Shang dynasty, 3.7 cm, in the Smithsonian Museum, accession number F1979.25.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's New York, 22 September 2020, lot 248
Estimate: USD 8,000 or approx.
EUR 8,700
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A calcified jade 'bird' pendant, Shang dynasty or later
Expert remark: Compare the related flat form, pierced beak, and incision work. Note the slightly larger size (3.7 cm) and different color of the stone. Also note that this lot is possibly of a later date.