Lot 32. An exceptionally rare white and russet jade 'eagle and bear' group, Ming Dynasty or earlier; 8cm (3in) wide. Estimate HK$400,000 - 600,000 (US$51,000 - 77,000). Sold for HK$ 875,625 (€ 100,120) inc. premium. © Bonhams 2001-2019

Exquisitely carved in the round as a crouching bear in movement with the right foreleg extended forward, being attacked by a fierce eagle with its beak biting the bear's back and its claws grasping the hind haunches, the bear superbly detailed with the eyes gazing forward flanking the well-pronounced snout and open mouth encircled by ridged face edges with delicate incisions simulating the fur, the wings and tail feathers of the eagle meticulously rendered with precise incised lines, the well-polished white stone with grey and russet patches.

Provenance: Constance Margaret Goldney (1920-2009), Ightham, Kent
Marchant, London

Exhibited, Published and Illustrated: Marchant, 85th Anniversary Exhibition of Chinese Jades from Tang to Qing, London, 2010, no.81.

Note: Constance Margaret Goldney (1920-2009) was a descendant of Sir David Pollock (1780-1847), former Chief Justice of Bombay, her father was Colonel G. M. Goldney whom she followed into military service and became a Captain of the W.R.A.C. She moved to Hong Kong in the 1960s and became PA, advisor and confidant to several different chairman of HSBC.

Bonhams. Marchant, est. 1925: Fine Chinese Jade Carvings, Hong Kong, 28 May 2019