TWO CHINESE ARCHAISTIC YELLOW JADE 'BIRD' PENDANTS

PROBABLY QING DYNASTY

One carved as an owl standing upright with its ears pricked up, the other of flattened form and shaped as a stylised eagle spreading its wings, the birds decorated in shallow relief with scrolling motifs, each with calcification to the stone, 5cm and 7.5cm. (2)

Provenance: from the collection of David Taylor (1876-1958) and thence by descent. David Taylor was a successful businessman of Scottish descent who was born in Northern Ireland. He resided in Belfast and owned various commercial buildings, shops and a farm. He also had a substantial portfolio of stocks and shares. These jade items were acquired by Taylor during his travels to East Asia in the early 20th century.