Lot 2884. A reticulated white jade ‘taotie’ belt hook, Warring States Period (475-221 BC); 2 in. (5 cm.) long. Estimate HKD 200,000 - HKD 400,000. Price realised HKD 425,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020. 

The shaft is carved and pierced in the form of a taotie mask, the hook terminating in a dragon head. The circular stud on the underside is carved with a chilong roundel. The stone is of a lustrous, milky white tone with small areas of russet, box.

Provenance: The collection of C.F. Wu, Taipei, acquired prior to 1988
The collection of T. T. Tsui, Hong Kong.

Literature: Art of China, January 1988 issue, p. 188, no. 134

Note: The current belt hook was in the collection of C.F. Wu, an esteemed Taiwanese collector active in the 1980s and 90s. Wu moved to Taiwan from Shanghai in the 50s and established a successful business in the textile industry. In over two decades, Wu had amassed a substantial collection of Chinese art comprising mainly jades, ceramics, bronzes, snuff bottles and scholar’s objects. It was later passed into the collection of T.T. Tsui, renowned Hong Kong entrepreneur and collector.