A HARDSTONE-INLAY IVORY CARVING OF AN ARCHAISTIC VASE, CONG
China, early 20th century
11,5 cm high
Finely carved in the shape of a ritual Shang dynasty bronze vase, cong, the body surrounded by a sinuous chi dragon, the rim and the handle – as well the eyes of the beast - with hardstone inlays.
Provenance: the collection of a Dutch noblewoman lived in Indonesia, acquired before 1975.