A ROCK CRYSTAL ‘DRAGON’ PENDANT, LATE SPRING AND AUTUMN PERIOD
This lot is from a single owner collection and is therefore offered without reserve

Published: Myrna Myers (ed.) & Filippo Salviati (auth.), The Language of Adornment. Chinese Ornaments of Jade, Crystal, Amber and Glass, Paris, 2002, no. 32.

China, c. 6^th century BC. Of elongated form, finely carved in a distinctive S-shaped curve, a protrusion forming the horn and the long tail tapering to a pointed tip. A small perforation, drilled from both ends, for suspension. The translucent stone with minor cloudy inclusions and russet shadings.

The stones, some of which are flawless and others containing sparse natural inclusions, display traces of russet at the interior perforation, drilled from both ends.

Provenance: The Collection of Sam and Myrna Myers, Paris, France. Acquired between circa 1965-2012.
Condition: With expected wear, traces of weathering and signs of prolonged burial, minuscule nibbling, chips, natural fissures, a larger loss to the snout and the tip of the tail with a repair.

Weight: 47 g
Dimensions: Length 14.5 cm

In ancient China, jade was not the only material used for personal adornments, other hardstones were also employed, including rock crystal, the clear and colorless variety of quartz. While examples of rock crystal carving appear intermittently from the Neolithic through the Western Zhou period, its use remained limited. This was largely because jade held a uniquely esteemed position, both in cultural value and symbolic meaning.

Exquisitely carved rock crystal ornaments were produced between the Eastern Zhou and early Western Han periods, primarily for inclusion in necklaces and pectoral adornments. This material enjoyed particular popularity in eastern China, especially in the Shandong region, where the majority of such artifacts have been unearthed. In several female burials from this area, archaeologists have uncovered ornate pectorals composed predominantly of rock crystal and agate components.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related agate hairpin, dated to the Warring States period, in the Asian Art Museum, object number B60J719.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 23 September 2020, lot 572
Estimate: USD 5,000 or approx. EUR 5,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare pair of agate pendants, Eastern Zhou dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, dating, and size (15.5 cm). Note that the lot comprises a pair.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 583
Price: USD 3,750 or approx. EUR 4,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A group of six agate pendants, China, late Warring States period, 4th-3rd century BC
Expert remark: Compare the loosely related form. Note the smaller size (5.5-7.8 cm) and that the lot comprises six pendants.