A RARE BONE COMB SONG / JIN DYNASTY |

of half-moon shape, the closely arranged teeth framed by an arched band pierced with a kalavinka in flight amid an undulating scroll issuing large leaves and flowers, the details finely incised

Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

A few scattered lost tips of teeth and one tooth with approximately 60percent lost, as seen in the catalogue image. With a break to the top border and two repaired breaks as well. With minor scattered small losses to the reticulated decoration, as seen in the catalogue image. With wear, small chips, and abrasions consistent with age and use.
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.

See a pair of bone combs of the same type, decorated with reticulated floral scrolls and accentuated in gilt, dated Song / Jin dynasty, excavated in Chang'an district, Xi'an city, Shaanxi province, acquired by the Shaanxi History Museum in 2010, published in Shaanxi History Museum, ed., Masterpieces of Ancient Arts from Recent Acquisition, Shaanxi, 2011, pl. 148; where the author notes that the pair is similar to a jade comb excavated from a Southern Song tomb in Nanjing. For combs of this type made from other materials, see a silver example, formerly in the Carl Kempe Collection, illustrated in Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 143a, and later sold in our London rooms, 14th May 2008, lot 93; a tusk comb in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, acc. no. 000189-N000000000; and an ivory comb in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, acc. no. A.52-1938.