AN AGATE SCABBARD SLIDE HAN DYNASTY

well carved utilising the natural inclusions of the stone to enhance the decoration, the surface carved in high relief and incised with a stylised dragon, the translucent stone with deep orange inclusions

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 171a.

The overall condition is very good. There are some old nibbles to the edges and two old cracks in the stone at one end of the scabbard slide. The actual colour is slightly less red than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Compare a slide similarly carved with a coiled creature in relief offered at Christie's London, 8^th June 1987, lot 94. See also a plain version with three undecorated longitudinal bands included in the exhibition Jades from China, The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, 1994, cat. no. 130, which notes that agate of this colour appears to have been popular in the Western Han dynasty and has been found in some burials of this period (see p. 239).