A Superb Jadeite Belt Buckle Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

carved in openwork with a dragon head terminal forming the hook, confronting a sinuous chilong striding on the arched stem while grasping a leafy spray of lingzhi in its mouth, the underside further carved with a flattened circular knob for attachment, the stone of brilliant emerald-green colour on top and translucent apple-green tone on the underside

Collection of Edward T. Chow.
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 19th May 1981, lot 614.

The belt buckle is in overall very good condition. There are a couple of lightly polished minute nibbles along the edge of the arched shaft (between the left forepaw of the smaller chilong and the tip end of the leafy spray he is grasping in its mouth), possibly original to the carving. There are a few further occasional minute nibbles, including a minute nick inside the smaller chilong right ear with some dirt accretion on the interior, also likely to be original to the carving. The actual colour of the jadeite is slightly paler compared to the catalogue illustration. The wood stand is in good condition.
"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 pair of imperial jadeite belt buckles with a similarly carved smaller chilong, sold in these rooms 5th October 2011, lot 1909.