Dating from the 17th century, late Ming Dynasty, the hollow vessel is exquisitely carved as a winged mythical beast bixie. In resemblance to the fire-breathing Chimera, the horned beast is vividly modelled with a large pair of wings extending from the front haunches and detailed with fine plumage. There is then a circular opening on the back with a stopper, carved as a lion finial. 

Dreweatts specialist, Yingwen Tao, said 'Jade carvings from the Ming Dynasty such as this, are highly prized for the beautiful detail in their carving, which demonstrates the wonderful skill of the stone cutter at the time. With such expertise these artisans were able to put so much life into a piece of stone.'

Regarded as the ‘fairest of stones’, jade has been endowed with the five virtues - charity, rectitude, wisdom, courage and equity – from ancient times in China. The present lot comes to Dreweatts from the private collection of a deceased collector. It is estimated at £5,000-8,000 (+fees), with all the proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer's society.

On receiving this amazing bequest, the Alzheimer's Society commented, 'Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with 209,600 people expected to develop dementia this year (which is one person every three minutes), so every penny donated to Alzheimer’s Society really does make a difference. Now more than ever, people living with dementia need our help – they have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, both physically and through devastating social isolation. Therefore, proceeds from the sale of this kindly donated item will help fund Alzheimer’s Society’s vital services, to ensure that no one has to face dementia alone.'

AUCTION DETAILS 
Wednesday 19 May | 10.30am
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

This is an online auction with an auctioneer.

VIEWING:
Viewing will be by appointment and in accordance with Covid-19 regulations:

• Sunday 16 May: 10am-3pm
• Monday 17 May: 10am-5pm
• Tuesday 18 May: 10am-5pm
• Please note there is no viewing on the morning of the sale.

To book an appointment to view, please email asian@dreweatts.com or call +44 (0) 1635 553 553 

Our specialists will also be providing detailed conditions reports and additional images as requested.

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