A grey and black jade bird staff finial - Ming Dynasty

The dove carved in the Han dynasty style, with finely carved feathers and a long tail curled at the end, the legs carved to the sides, seated on top of a circular section, adorned with a lappet-shaped pendant hung from a necklace with C scrolls, the stone of grey tone with black and russet inclusions, wood stand. 10cm (4in) long. (2). Estimate: £6,500 - 7,500

Footnote: The present example follows the Han dynasty tradition of awarding dove staff-finials to men who have reached the age of 70 and are thus to be treated with greater respect.

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Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2008. New Bond Street