Pair of jade pigs, Han dynasty

Carved in the shape of a pig lying down, its surface is outlined with broad, deep, incised lines, which have the characteristics of Han. On the back, just at the tail, there is a hole for tying a cord. In very good condition with patina from ageing.

Jade pigs were usually made in pairs to be held in the hands within the funerary setting in the Han dynasty and, found on some occasions, even in tombs of the Ming dynasty. This shows that the custom of placing objects in the hands of the deceased has a long history and was generally popular in antiquity. Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD)

Size: 2.3–2.4 x 1.9–2 x 10.4–10.5 cm; Total weight: 244 gr

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.-Previous owner of lot: 48, (Imperial white jade "ziqiang buxi" seal, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795)) Auctioned: Important Hong Kong Collection, Tommy Lam - Asian Art. 25 October 2023. Darley Auctions.

References: The Palace Museum. Reference: 00110044; 00098973.