Description:

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. This superb hand-carved figurine is crafted from creamy white and pale green serpentine stone, depicting a kneeling boy, identifiable by his traditional haircut, shaved except for a topknot above his brow. He holds a skull or mask in his hands, featuring bored eyes that may have been intended for inlaying contrasting stone or pigment. When backlit, the stone beautifully illuminates from within. A small red stone, possibly garnet, is embedded in the groove on the verso between the waist and feet. A lateral suspension hole drilled through the boy's head allows it to be worn as a pendant or talisman. In Han culture, boys were considered symbols of good fortune, and the desire for male heirs was prevalent. Size: 0.75" W x 1.72" H (1.9 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: private New Orleans, Louisiana, USA collection, acquired 1990s

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#189124

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Some mineral deposits in recessed areas. Small stone lodged in groove on the verso, probably not original to the piece.

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September 29, 2024 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000