SONG-MING DYNASTY (AD 960-1644)

This small white jade figural bead appears to represent a foreigner. His long robes, earrings, unusual head covering and facial features are reminiscent to those of a figural bead (5.9 cm.) dated Tang, illustrated by Jessica Rawson, “Chinese Jade throughout the ages”, T.O.C.S., vol. 40, 1973-75, p. 74, no. 212. An even smaller (4.5 cm.) white jade bead of a bearded foreigner wearing long robes is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - 41 - Jadeware (II), Hong Kong, 1995, p. 100, pl. 87.