Lot 1. A mottled green jade vessel, cong, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture (c. 3300-2250 BC); 7.5cm (3in) high. Estimate HK$ 50,000 - 80,000 (€5,600 - 9,000). Sold for HK$ 375,000 (€ 44,587). Photo: Bonhams.

The thick-walled cong of square-sectioned form, with two registers of stylised masks below striated bands carved at each corner, the stone of a green tone suffused with buff and yellowish-brown inclusions. 

Published and Illustrated: Art and Imitation in China, Hong Kong, 2006, p.130, no.21

Exhibited: University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong (14 October - 17 December 2006)

Note: Typical of Liangzhu cong, the present lot is decorated with masks arranged on each of the four corners. Although found in extensive numbers in Liangzhu tombs and thus deduced as an important burial and ritual artifact, the precise meaning and use of the cong is still unclear. Compare a related cong, late Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture, illustrated by J.Watt, Chinese Jades from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, 1989, p.29, pl.2. 

Bonhams. THE SZE YUAN TANG COLLECTION OF CHINESE JADES, 5 Apr 2016, 11:00 HKT, HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY