Lot 197
197
A SMALL ROCK CRYSTAL FIGURE OF A COURTIER

Details
A SMALL ROCK CRYSTAL FIGURE OF A COURTIER
HAN DYNASTY

The standing figure of rectangular section, simply carved with light incisions suggesting a nose and ears, and a diagonal incision across the chest and back indicating the edges of the robe, drilled horizontally above the flared skirt for suspension, the translucent stone with ochre patination
1 5/8in. (4.2cm.) high

Lot Essay

This crystal figure is related to those carved from jade and also drilled for use as a bead or some form of decoration. See the two small white jade figures of standing men in the collection of Sir Joseph Hotung included in the exhibition of the collection, Chinese Jade, from the Neolithic to the Qing, British Museum, 1995, and illustrated by Jessica Rawson in the Catalogue, p. 285, nos. 19:7 and 19:8