Lot 31. A yellow jade turtle, Warring States Period; 3cm (1 1/4in) long. Estimate HK$150,000 - 200,000 (US$19,000 - 26,000). Sold for HK$ 1,025,000 (€117,795). Photo: Bonhams

Deftly carved with a protruding head and bulging eyes showing a vivid expression, the four legs stretched out, the slightly domed shell elaborately incised with a taotie motif, a threading channel drilled from the mouth to the tail with two further holes pierced on the undecorated underside, the stone of even greenish-yellow tone with traces of cinnabar.  

Provenance: Zhang Ling, member of the Kau Chi Society of Chinese Art, Hong Kong
Acquired in Hong Kong in 1984
The Songzhutang collection, no.53

Published and Illustrated: T.Fok, The Splendour of Jade: The Songzhutang Collection of Jade, Hong Kong, 2011, pl.53 

Bonhams. THE SONGZHUTANG COLLECTION OF EARLY JADES from the Neolithic Period to the Yuan Dynasty, 30 May 2017, 14:00 HKT