A JADE BANGLE LIANGZHU CULTURE, NEOLITHIC PERIOD

the stone of a creamy-white tone with golden-brown and russet mottling and finished with a smooth polish

Exquisite Jade Carving, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat.no. 138.

Apart from a few old minute nicks to the edges, the overall condition is very good. The actual colour of the stone is a little whiter than 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."

Jade bracelets appear to have originated in the Hongshan culture (5th-3rd century BC), after which they became and remained a feature of many Neolithic cultures. This beautifully finished piece belongs to a relatively well-known type of Liangzhu jade and is recognised as a bracelet because examples have been found on the arms of the dead (see Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1994, p.148). A closely related example is illustrated ibid., pl. 6:4; and another is published in Teng Shu-P'ing Neolithic Jades in the Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1992, pl. 49.