A rare Chinese Imperial jadeite and zitan hat stand 19th century, constructed in sections, the domed base carved in shallow relief with bats amongst cloud scrolls above a band of key fret, the flowerhead-shaped hat rest carved with two layers of petals, the flaring knopped zitan supports separated by a large central segmented ovoid jade bead, all contained within a fitted zitan box, the stand 28.5cm overall. (2)

Provenance: formerly the property of Dr Little, surgeon and physician in Shanghai from 1869-1901. Admiral Sir Charles Little, and thence by descent.

A closely related hat stand is on display at the Beijing Capital Museum.