1920s Carved Jade Yang Kuei-Fei Sculpture Figure on Wood Base

Description

Yang Kuei-fei or Yang Guifei known briefly by the Taoist nun name Taizhen was one of the four beauties of … more Yang Kuei-fei or Yang Guifei known briefly by the Taoist nun name Taizhen was one of the four beauties of ancient China. The slender elegant female carved of green jade is wearing long flowing robes holding a fan in one hand and flowers at her feet and the other hand. The affair of the last Tang emperor in China and his beautiful concubine, Yang Guifei (Yang Kuei-fei) was the great love story of the age and often mentioned in ancient Chinese and Japanese literature. The "Song of Unending Sorrow" was the most popular Chinese poem in Heian Japan. With some embellishment, it recounted the true story of how Yang Guifei (Yokihi in Japanese) rose from obscurity to win the heart of an emperor, before causing his downfall and that of the entire Tang Dynasty.

1920 Chinese Carved Jade Sculpture Figure of Yang Kuei-Fei Taizhen on a Wood Base. The jade is a celadon-green tone with some russet markings.

Provenance: Statue formerly belonged to the Maeda family (Nagasaki-Japan) private collection. The town was home for many Chinese sailors and traders who trade goods with the Japanese from the 15th to 19th centuries. The Tokugawa government allowed only Nagasaki to stay open to the rest of the world, but closed off the rest of Japan to prevent Western influences and the spread of Christianity. This statue was appraised at the Antiques Roadshow in Corpus Christi, TX ( where we presented it, attached photo of tickets).

Condition: Excellent antique. No signs of damage that we can point out to. Very well preserved. Statue is sold "as found" ("as acquired" from the Maeda family in Japan).
Measurements: 12.5 inches high (31.5 cm); 8 inches wide (20 cm).
Interested buyers are highly encouraged to ask all necessary questions before purchase. Thank you. less