Description:

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A hand-carved stone sculpture of an amalgam mythological creature known as a dragon turtle ('longgui' in Chinese) with the body, legs, tail, shell carapace of a turtle and the scaled neck and fearsome head of a dragon. The shell is incised with repeating striations around the periphery, and the topside features a hexagonal, honey-combed pattern. The dragon head bears an attenuated snout with incised teeth, almond-shaped eyes, and a flowing mane. Dragon turtles were believed to positively influence success, courage, fertility, and determination, and were typically placed facing towards a window within a structure. Size: 11.375" L x 7.125" W x 8.1" H (28.9 cm x 18.1 cm x 20.6 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, purchased in Hong Kong in the 1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#150953

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to shell, base, neck, and head, with light softening to some finer details, and light encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 6, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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