작품 상세

AN UNUSUAL WHITE AND RED AGATE SCABBARD SLIDE, WESTERN HAN DYNASTY China, 206 BC-9 AD. Rectangular in form with a slightly convex exterior, perforated to accommodate the scabbard, the outer surface decorated with small, skillfully carved projections that exploit the natural red inclusions of the stone, which stand out against the overall icy-white tone of the surface, further accented by dark brown shadings. Provenance: From The Sam and Myrna Myers Collection, Paris, France. Acquired between circa 1965-2012. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, with surface wear and inherent natural imperfections, such as inclusions and fissures, some of which have developed into small hairlines. Distinct traces of weathering and burial corrosion. Scattered minor nicks, shallow surface scratches, and few minute chips to the reverse. Weight: 42.3 g Dimensions: Length 4.3 cm Alongside the evolution of ornamental motifs in jade with the advent of the Han dynasty, agate underwent a comparable development, expanding into new forms of decoration inspired by jade carving. Agate pieces demonstrate increasing technical sophistication, with more complex color combinations and meticulous polishing that attest to the skill of the artisans. While prized for its color and aesthetic appeal, agate lacked the ritual and moral significance attributed to jade, and its value was primarily decorative rather than symbolic. Easier to work than jade, agate permitted more intricate and varied designs, rendering it accessible to a wider segment of the elite beyond strictly ceremonial contexts. It was therefore chiefly employed in personal ornaments such as pendants, beads, bridle fittings and sword fittings, while continuing to convey the social prestige of the owner. Literature comparison: Compare a related agate ‘dragon’ sword slide, late Western Han dynasty, 140 BC-8 AD, 9.3 cm long, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan, accession number 000236N000000000. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 30 November 2021, lot 501 Price: HKD 25,200 or approx. EUR 3,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An agate scabbard slide and two agate slit rings, Western Han dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of carving, and color of the stone. Note the larger size (6.7 cm) and that the lot comprises two additional agate slit rings.