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This session is closed for bidding.
Current bid: $11,000 CAD
Bidding History
Paddle # Date Amount

918093 26-Oct-2023 01:15:55 PM $11,000 AutoBid

11925 26-Oct-2023 01:15:55 PM $10,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 01:10:21 PM $9,500 AutoBid

11925 26-Oct-2023 01:10:21 PM $9,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 01:04:04 PM $8,500 AutoBid

11925 26-Oct-2023 01:04:04 PM $8,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:57:48 PM $7,500 AutoBid

919376 26-Oct-2023 12:57:48 PM $7,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:54:09 PM $6,500 AutoBid

919376 26-Oct-2023 12:54:09 PM $6,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:50:39 PM $5,500 AutoBid

919376 26-Oct-2023 12:50:39 PM $5,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:44:16 PM $4,750 AutoBid

919376 26-Oct-2023 12:44:16 PM $4,500

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:43:25 PM $4,250 AutoBid

919376 26-Oct-2023 12:43:25 PM $4,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:43:19 PM $3,750 AutoBid

919376 26-Oct-2023 12:43:19 PM $3,500

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:42:24 PM $3,250 AutoBid

823254 26-Oct-2023 12:42:24 PM $3,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:41:08 PM $2,750 AutoBid

823254 26-Oct-2023 12:41:08 PM $2,500

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:40:30 PM $2,250 AutoBid

823254 26-Oct-2023 12:40:30 PM $2,000

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:32:33 PM $1,900 AutoBid

823254 26-Oct-2023 12:32:33 PM $1,800

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:26:04 PM $1,700 AutoBid

919299 26-Oct-2023 12:26:04 PM $1,600

918093 26-Oct-2023 12:06:00 PM $1,500 AutoBid

871433 26-Oct-2023 11:58:29 AM $1,400 AutoBid

918093 26-Oct-2023 11:58:28 AM $1,300 AutoBid

871433 26-Oct-2023 11:57:00 AM $1,200 AutoBid

918093 26-Oct-2023 11:55:27 AM $1,100 AutoBid

823254 26-Oct-2023 02:07:39 AM $1,000

871433 24-Oct-2023 04:30:21 PM $900

918072 07-Oct-2023 01:53:23 AM $800

The bidding history list updated on: Thursday, October 31, 2024 07:04:28

LOT 014

Chinese

Two Chinese Jade 'Tortoise' Carvings, Republican Period or Earlier
jade
1 x 1 1/2 x 1 3/8 in, 2.5 x 3.8 x 3.5 cm

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500 CAD

Sold for: $13,750

Preview at:

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.