Nephrite of celadon color with natural grain and shades of dark brown and black, good patina and silky flat finish. China, 17th century

Skillfully carved depiction of a Qilong in high relief, the knob on the backside with a neatly incised border.

Shape, drilling etc.: Classic belt hook shape
Dimensions: Length 8.6 cm. Depth 3.2 cm. Width 2.8 cm.
Condition: The head of the Qilong missing, otherwise fine condition
Provenance/labels: Canadian private collection, old labels on the backside reading ‘BLACK JADE MANDARIN BUCKLE’ and ‘MING DYNASTY, 1368-1644’
Literature comparison: Bonham’s, FINE CHINESE ART, 15 May 2014, London, lot 118. (for another belt hook from the same period carved of nephrite with a similar color pattern)

明代龍紋玉帶扣
龍頭缺失，其他部分品相良好，包漿細膩
加拿大私人收藏，可見藏家標注