A BROWN JADE ARCHAISTIC SCABBARD SLIDE, WEI LATE WARRING STATES PERIOD - EARLY WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

of rectangular form, carved to the top with a beast mask, the stone of a variegated warm brown and dark grey colour

The scabbard slide is in good condition and very well patinated. There is expected insignificant nibbling along the edges and light surface wear as consistent with age. The catalogue illustration is slightly darker than the actual colour of the stone.
"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."

Entirely suffused with russet colour, this greenish-white jade object is polished to a subtle smoothness. According to how the archaeologist Sun Ji categorises types and styles of scabbard slides, this belongs to the early type without projecting edges, for it is a flat hollow tube that allows the scabbard band to run through; see Sun Ji, “Yuju jian yu zhishi peijian fa [Jade Decorated Scabbards and the Way Scabbard were Suspended with Jade Slides]”, Kaogu [Archaeology] 1 (1985), p. 54, fig. 7:2. The slide surface is exquisitely carved with an animal mask design, inside which a shallow relief coiled serpent design is exquisitely engraved. The animal head extends into one side and its tusks carved in shallow relief appear ferocious. On the opposite side the animal’s tail is carved in a concise style to appear as a lively and interesting decorative design. Compare a similar scabbard slide excavated from a Western Han tomb in Zhaowangzhuang, Fuyang, Anhui, illustrated in Gu Fang, Zhongguo chutu yuqi quanji [The Complete Collection of Jades Unearthed in China], vol. 6, Beijing, 2005, p. 146.