Lot 50. A small carved agate 'basket' bowl, Liao-Song dynasty; 7.1cm square; 3.8cm high. Sold for US$8,925 (Estimate US$3.000 - 4.000). © Bonhams 2001-2023

Of shallow form, well-carved inside and out with packed rows imitating a woven basket, the rim rounded with equal segments marked by twin straps, the translucent stone of even icy tone polished to a high gloss.

Note: Compare the Song dynasty jade cup imitating a woven basket illustrated by Rawson in Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pp. 931-392, no. 29:2, where the author cites a silver bowl and a white porcelain bowl in the collection of the British Museum, both imitating woven baskets.