Bidspirit auction | White jade figure ‘Beast’, Shang

White jade figure ‘Beast’, Shang dynasty - Milky white jade with ochre mineral alterations on the tail and limbs. The piece depicts a mythological creature in a crouching position, with a robust body, bent limbs and a short, upward-curving tail. The bas-relief carving is noteworthy, defining the musculature and facial features through archaic lines and volutes. The back features openwork ridges and a perforation in the tail. Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC) or later. Size: 3.8 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm Weight: 141 g Provenance: · Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.