A WHITE JADE BELTHOOK MING DYNASTY

carved as an upturned two-horned qilong dragon head facing a smaller qilong, the smaller one climbing up the arched shaft, the reverse with a tab for attachment, the stone of an even pale celadon tone throughout

The overall condition is very good with only a minute 1mm nick to the edge of the underside.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Archaistic belthooks made in the style of the Western Han dynasty such as this piece were popular during the Ming period. A closely related example in the British Museum, London, is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1994, p.346, fig. 2; one was included in the exhibition Jades from China, The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, 1994, cat. no. 314; and two were sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 2^nd October 1991, lot 1348, and 1^st May 1995, lot 788.