Monumental Neolithic Chinese carved jade cong, Liangzhu Culture; the cylindrical shaft within in a subtly tapered square-section exterior halting before the short neck and foot; incised and well-carved in light relief, showing six tiers of taotie mask designs at each corner; each tier comprised of two masks, the upper with simple incised circular eyes, the lower characterized by large raised eyes, both above a short band signifying the nose; divided by horizontal grooved banding; the stone of mottled brown, grey, green and cream coloration; H: 19 1/4"

PROVENANCE:
Throckmorton Fine Art, New York;
Collection of Michael Egan, acquired from the above