A JADE SWORD HILT SHANG DYNASTY

of rectangular tapering form, the stone of a celadon tone with much of its original russet skin with beige inclusions preserved

The overall condition is very good.
"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."

Small straight elongated jades of rectangular cross section with a slight waist at the top in the form of handles such as the present piece are a major constituent of the Shang repertoire. A closely related example was sold in our New York rooms, 6th December 1983, lot 136; and another was sold at Christie's New York, 2nd December 1989, lot 3. Compare two slightly later versions of similar form illustrated in Han Baoquan, Jade Wares, Xi'an, 1992, pls 22 and 23. For another handle attributed to the Shang period, see an one of narrower proportions and petal-like carved decoration in the Latien Shanfang collection, illustrated in Teng Shu-P'ing, One Hundred Jades from the Latien Shanfang Collection, Taipei, 1995, pl. 28.