A RARE ARCHAIC JADE HANDLE LATE SHANG/ EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

of flattened rectangular form, surmounted by a pair of confronted birds, the wings and tails with incised detail, the crests with pierced eyelets, the shaft plain with two carved horizontal lines, the irregular end with a pierced hole, the stone of buff tone with darker areas 

Collection of D. David-Weill, Paris.
Sotheby & Co., London, 29^th February 1972, lot 19.

Arts de la Chine Ancienne, Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris, 1937, no. 91.

Georges Salles, Arts de la Chine Ancienne, Paris, 1937, cat. no. 91. Alfred Salmony, Carved Jade of Ancient China, London, 1938, pl. XXV, fig. 1.
Otto Kümmel, Jörg Trübner zum Gedächtnis, Berlin, 1930, pl. 30a.

There is some nibbling to the edges of the handle. The number 'DW3941' is inscribed at the bottom edge. The actual color of this piece is quite close to the illustration in the catalogue.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.