CHINA, YUAN-MING DYNASTY (1279-1644)

The design of this unusual ornament may be based on earlier examples of Song date, such as the phoenix-form hair ornament of smaller size (6.2 cm.) illustrated by James C. Y. Watt, Chinese Jades from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, 1989, p. 63, no. 37. The tail feathers of the Seattle example are also carved in openwork, but the wings are not as spread.