Lot 104. A white jade carving of chi-dragon seal finial, Yuan-Ming Dynasty (1279-1644); 5.5cm (2 1/8in) long. Sold for HK$277,500 (Estimate HKD30,000 - 50,000/US$3,900 - 6,400). © Bonhams 2001-2021

Deftly carved in openwork as a crouching dragon depicted with bulging eyes, flaring nostrils and mouth agape revealing sharp fangs, with a single horn above a neatly combed mane sweeping back joining its bushy tail curled along its arched spine set with a loose ring, the semi-translucent stone of an even white colour.  

Note: Compare a similar white jade carving of a chilong seal finial, Ming dynasty, which was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 24 May 1984, lot 484. See also a related white jade 'hong chan fo zong' Buddhist seal, Yuan Dynasty, with a similarly carved dragon finial, which was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 3 October 2013, lot 3622.

Bonhams. Chinese Art Online: Arts from the Scholar’s Studio Including the Yanqinzhai Collection, Hong Kong, 4 - 19 October 2021