Yellow jade staff head ‘Mythical Bird’, Zhou dynasty

The head of a jade staff carved in greenish-yellow jade with brown veins and areas of natural patina. The piece takes the stylised form of a mythical bird, probably a phoenix, depicted upright, with a compact body, folded wings and an elongated tail. The highly expressive head has a curved beak, almond-shaped eyes and a crest bifurcated into a volute, while the chest has a modelled protuberance decorated with circular motifs. The wings and legs are decorated with geometric incisions in a linear style. The cylindrical, hollow base indicates its use as the terminal of a staff or ritual sceptre. The work combines sculptural volume and symbolic refinement, suggesting ceremonial or prestige use. Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) or later.

Size: 11.2 x 4.3 x 10 cm

Weight: 295 g

Provenance:

· Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980