China, late Neolithic period, c. 3300-2200 BC. The thick-walled cong with gently rounded sides and a cylindrical interior, carved to each corner with a stylized human and animal mask design. The eyes and noses as well as the raised bands above the human mask and recesses in between are finely incised with line and scroll designs. The faces are divided with a gently recessed vertical band to the center of each side. The opaque stone of a cream and beige tone with milky inclusions, as well as russet veins, and calcification.

Provenance: The Shibata family collection, Japan. Galleri Kokoro, Stockholm, Sweden. Swedish private collection, acquired from the above in 1998.
Condition: Very good condition with wear commensurate with age. Natural imperfections, smoothened losses to edges, tiny nicks, few natural fissures, and signs of weathering and erosion. Few hairlines which may have developed into cracks. The stone with alterations.

Weight: 512.8 g
Dimensions: Diameter 9.7 cm, Height 5.6 cm

With a padded silk box and cover. (2)

The present cong displays the distinctive characteristic of Liangzhu culture cong vessels, with a square outer section around a circular inner part and decorated with stylised masks neatly arranged on each of the four corners. The exceptional craftsmanship is particularly notable in the very delicate and precise quality of the carving and incised decoration, enhanced by the lustrous patina formed on the surface over time.

One interpretation of the function of cong is that it symbolised the earth. Although the precise meaning and use of the cong is not entirely clear, it was found in extensive numbers in Liangzhu tombs and is believed to be of great significance.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 4 November 2021, lot 385
Estimate: GBP 250,000 or approx. EUR 354,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare calcified jade cong, Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture
Expert remark: Compare the closely related two-tiered form, manner of carving, mask motifs, and ivory-cream color of the stone.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 29 May 2018, lot 4
Price: HKD 21,700,000 or approx. EUR 2,863,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A very rare archaic jade ritual vessel, cong, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture
Expert remark: Compare the closely related two-tiered form, manner of carving, ivory-cream color, and similar stylized human and animal mask design.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 May 2018, lot 3080
Price: HKD 3,700,000 or approx. EUR 486,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A very jade cong, late Liangzhu culture, c. 3000-2500 BC
Expert remark: Compare the closely related two-tiered form, manner of carving, mask motifs, and ivory-cream color of the stone with inclusions of russet.