10 cm. high (4 in.)

The present exceptionally well-rendered carving of a phoenix would have been the finial for a wood staff or cane. Symbolic of imperial authority and power, jade staff finials were carved in various zoomorphic forms including horses, geese, doves and dragons. The origins of such carvings can be traced back to the Han dynasty when the government, as an act of respect for the elderly, would give elders attaining the age of 70 a scepter six ‘chi’ in length with a dove-shaped finial. Turtle doves were chosen as auspicious symbols for their ability to swallow and digest without difficulty, a wish conferred to the elders when presented with the scepters. Compare with another archaistic jade phoenix finial, attributed to the Song dynasty and formerly in the Collection of Nelson A. Rockefeller, sold at Sotheby’s New York, 17 September 2013, lot 31.

Price estimate:
HKD: 200,000-300,000
USD: 25,800-38,700

Auction Result:
HKD:1,357,000