A PALE CELADON JADE ‘FISH’ PENDANT, LATE SHANG TO WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTYChina, 1300-771 BC. Of flattened form, carved as a curved fish with rounded eyes, the long dorsal fin rising along the spine and two smaller fins extending from the belly, the mouth and tail pierced with a circular aperture for suspension. The semi-translucent stone of a pale celadon tone with areas of white calcification.Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. -H. Dr. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived of the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968 he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the Museum became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history.Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, weathering and small nibbles.Weight: 11.4 gDimensions: Length 8.2 cmLiteratureparison:Compare a related jade pendant of a fish, late Shang dynasty, 6.2 cm, in the Smithsonian Museum, accession number S1987.473. Alsopare a related jade pendant of a fish, late Shang dynasty, 5.9 cm, in the Smithsonian Museum, accession number S1987.634.Auction resultparison:Type: Closely relatedAuction: Sotheby’s New York, 10 September 2019, lot 37Price: USD 17,500 or approx.EUR 19,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A calcified jade 'fish' pendant, Shang - Western Zhou dynastyExpert remark:pare the related form, motif, similar color of the jade, and size (8.8 cm)Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 November 2020, lot 2772Price: HKD 250,000 or approx.EUR 31,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A jade fish-form pendant, Western Zhou dynastyExpert rema