Pair of Carved Dragon Nephrite Bangles, Qing Dynasty

The nephrite jade bangles of oval form, each carved with opposing dragon heads.

Formerly from the private collection of Mrs. Charlotte Hortsmann.

Accompanied by Jadeite Jade Testing certificates no. SJ 137256 and SJ 137257, stating that the carved "Dragon" bangles are natural, nephrite jade. Please refer to the certificates for details. The nephrite jade bangles are matching, translucent of cream white colour, with greasy surface lustre. Upon close check, there are a few patches of white clouds commonly seen in natural nephrite. Traditional carving, probably dated to Qing Dynasty. Surface abrasions commensurate with age, overall in very 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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.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.

Accompanied by two Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificates numbered SJ 137256 and SJ 137257, both dated 10 August 2016, stating that the bangles are natural nephrite jade, with no resin detected.

內直徑及厚度約57.33x50.90x10.33及57.11x50.92x10.28毫米，香港尺寸1.55；台灣尺寸18.5

______________________________________________________________

QUINTESSENTIALLY QING 

Nephrite, also known as zhenyu (true jade), originates from along the Karakash River in southern Xinjiang, and also from within the Kunlun mountains, situated upstream of Yarkand River. Nephrite is one of the two distinct minerals recognized as jade, the other being jadeite. Revered by the ancient Chinese as “The Stone of Heaven”, it is believed to have been the link between both the physical and the spiritual worlds and is the only material that completely encapsulates both the yin and yang qualities of Heaven and Earth.

White nephrite, also known as white jade, is considered to be the most valuable nephrite. It displays a greasy wax-like gloss; its texture whilst delicate, possesses a solid structure attributed to white nephrite’s composition, thus it can be carved and polished into a variety of exquisite jewellery pieces. Although prized by other civilizations as well as the Chinese, no other culture can rival China for the richness and intricacy of the carved jade jewellery found there. Till this day, jade remains an eternal symbol of China’s magnificent civilization.

It is rare for bangles to survive intact as a pair, owing to breakage. These two pairs of white jade bangles (Lots 1635 & 1636), dating from Qing Dynasty, have an interesting provenance as they belonged to the late Mrs. Charlotte Hortsmann (1908 - 2003), a celebrated Hong Kong antique gallerist. Born in Berlin and raised in Peking, Mrs. Hortsmann developed a discerning eye for art and antiques over the years working closely with dealers, collectors and museums. Together with her business partner, Gerald Godfrey, they built an internationally-regarded business for Oriental offerings and rarities.

The pair of dragon bangles references archaistic motif and design, whilst the twisted bangle has a design precedent of a bangle sold by Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 1988, belonging to Barbara Hutton. As a traditional Chinese saying goes ‘Heaven is round and the earth is square’, roundness of a circle symbolizes wholeness, completion and also stands for eternal laws that govern heaven and earth. Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, when jadeite bangles started taking on new shapes and styles, the most distinctive design was the Guifei (noble consort) bangle, which is oval in shape and often rounded to the outside and flattened to the inside, reminiscent to the style of bangles offered here.

These bangles stand testament to the fastidious skills and wisdom of craftsman in China.