Sold for: $13,750

PROVENANCE
Acquired in Hong Kong, 1950s and 1960s
By descent within the family to the Estate of K. S. Tom (1908-1973)

The first a shell pendant with whorls on the back, the stone a dark grey; the second a square seal surmounted by a tortoise with russet inclusions on the uncarved seal face.

Please note: the dimensions listed are for the largest carving.

Tom Man-loong went by his preferred name of K. S. Tom, and was the founder of Tom Construction Co., one of the leading construction firms in Hong Kong after WWII. He specialized in high-end residences on the Peak, and was responsible for constructing the Hong Kong Jockey Club's clubhouse in the New Territories as well as service reservoirs for the Botanical Garden at Tai Wan on Lamma Island.

K. S. Tom always had a keen interest in Chinese archaeology and cultural artifacts. He amassed a large amount of Chinese archaic jade carvings, many of which were showcased at the City Museum & Art Gallery at the Hong Kong City Hall, the precursor to the Hong Kong Museum of Art.

In 1970, K. S. Tom became an early member of Hong Kong's prestigious Min Chiu Society, a group of collectors who met every month to discuss Chinese antiquities and planned public exhibitions.

He left dozens of letters left to his family including important correspondences with curators in Hong Kong and the U.K. Some examples include:

A July 19th 1969 letter by J. C. Y. Watt stating Mr. Tom has been named an honorary adviser to the Select Committee of the Urban Council at the City Museum & Art Gallery at the Hong Kong City Hall.

A March 24th 1970 introduction letter by S. G. Davis, Chairman of the Archeological Society at the Hong Kong University, recommending Mr. Tom to visit colleagues and collections at various museums around the world.

An April 28th 1970 introduction letter by John Warner, curator of the City Museum and Art Gallery at the Hong Kong City Hall, to Mr. John Ayers, so that Mr. Tom can visit the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

A May 15th 1970 certification by Philp Wen-Chee Mae, President of the Min Chiu Society of Hong Kong, about Mr. Tom's acceptance into the association.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WORK IS FOR DOMESTIC PURCHASE ONLY IN CANADA; Heffel will not ship this work internationally. Please be advised that this lot contains organic material that is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.