White jade mask, Eastern Han dynasty

Pendant made of natural nephrite jade carved in white with reddish-golden tones. The profile of the mask is cut out in spiral shapes, with a face in relief in the centre. It consists of two large, open eyes, together with a long nose and thick eyebrows. The reverse of the plaque remains smooth. The surface is not completely regular and the outer frame protrudes. The purpose of such faces was to ward off evil spirits. In good condition with patina due to age.

Taotie' consists of a zoomorphic mask with spiral patterns around the face. During the Han dynasty, jades became even more associated with the upper classes. They were present at festivities and exhibitions. The elegant geometric shapes carved in scrolls provided more symbolic than functional use with their elaborate finishes. The tradition continued through time and remained relevant during the Qing dynasty.

Attached 'Jade Certificate of Identification'.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 3 x 0.7 x 4.9 cm; Weight: 20 g