Lot 410. A 'yellow' jade salamander pendant, Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC); 2 5/8in (6.6cm) long. Estimate US$ 1,200 - 1,800. Sold for US$ 2,805 (€ 2,307). Courtesy Bonhams.

The realistically carved animal of flattened form with rounded upper surface and flat lower surface, the four legs evenly-spaced to the sides and with a furrowed tail curling to one side, softly carved details and polished surface, the underside with more-evident angular geometric cutting strokes.

Property from the Estate of Robert P. Youngman.

Note: For a similar reptile-form pendant, dated to the Shang Dynasty, circa 1200 B.C., see Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, British Museum, London, 1995, p. 223 no. 12:20, where the author notes that the depiction of reptiles is uncommon among Shang jade animal pendants: toads and turtles being far more frequently depicted.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese and Japanese Works of Art Part II, 14 Dec 2020, Los Angeles