Yellow jade ritual vessel ‘Cardinal Beasts’, Western Han Dynasty

A low-profile, bowl-shaped ritual vessel made of yellow jade, resting on a ring-shaped foot. The piece follows a clearly archaic style, inspired by ritual bronzes. The exterior is decorated with the four beasts representing the cardinal points, majestically carved in high relief, with sinuous bodies, solemn expressions and detailed heads emerging from the surface. The background is masterfully covered with a dense pattern of scrolls, stylised feathers and archaic motifs.

Evidence of its age is a deep and complex patina or chemical alteration known as ‘沁色’ in brown tones, which contrasts with the polished material and areas covered by calcification. Traces of cinnabar red pigment, possibly for ritual use, can be seen. Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 25 AD).

Height: 5.5 cm; Diameter: 14.7 cm

Weight: 629 g

Provenance:

· Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980