China, Neolithic period, c. 4000-3000 BC. Exquisitely carved, the bird shows a long, hooked beak, drop-shaped eyes, and a curved crown, all of which evoke the iconic zhulong (‘pig-dragon’), known for its distinctive, serpent-like forms and symbolic significance in ancient Chinese culture. The pronounced lore and the piercing at the base of the head, likely intended for suspension, further enhance this pendant’s connection to the most popular of all Neolithic jades. The parallels to zhulong carvings also emphasize the ritual importance of this piece, while the nuanced details reflect the depth and craftsmanship characteristic of the period.

The semi-translucent stone exhibits a celadon hue, accented by a russet skin, icy veins, dark and cloudy inclusions, and small areas of brown calcification, all of which further contribute to its ancient and mystic appearance.

Provenance: From the collection of David Taylor (1876-1958), passed down through the Taylor family to his descendants. David Taylor (1876-1958), a prominent British businessman based in Belfast, owned several commercial properties and a substantial portfolio of stocks and shares. During his travels to East Asia in the early 20th century, he acquired numerous jades, including the present lot. His grandfather, Sir David Taylor (1815-1904), was born in Perth, Scotland, and relocated to Belfast in 1842, where he served as mayor in 1867, and again in 1883 and 1884.
Condition: Superb condition, commensurate with age. Ancient wear, signs of weathering and erosion, and few microscopic nibbles. The jade with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into small hairline cracks.

Weight: 44.6 g
Dimensions: Length 6.4 cm

Literature comparison:
Compare a related Hongshan culture celadon jade ‘bird’s head’ finial illustrated by Angus Forsyth and Brian McElney, Jades from China, The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, 1994, cat. no. 17, and later sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 28 November 2019, lot 723. Compare also a related late Hongshan culture finial in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated by Teng (ed.), Jingtian gewu: Zhonggup lidai yuqi daodu, Taipei, 2011, p. 57, nos. 4-5-10a and 4-5-10b, described as the finial for a staff, and another previously with J. J. Lally and sold at Bonhams New York, 20 March 2023, lot 17.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 November 2019, lot 2708
Price: HKD 437,500 or approx. EUR 55,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An agate carving of a ‘pig-dragon’, Hongshan Culture, circa 3500 BC
Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of carving with similar eyes and pricked ears. Note the different subject and material. Also note the size (7.2 cm).