A Chinese mottled grey-green jade cong Shang Dynasty The pale grey-green stone with dark brown inclusions of near square section with rounded corners, the centre cylindrical with raised flat rings to the top and bottom, with later hardwood stand and cover. 5cm across FOOTNOTE: Although the exact nature of the cong as a ritual object is unknown, it is thought that the form represents the earth, as bi discs represent the heavens, and thus they are often found at burial sites. The shape recurs throughout Chinese applied arts and can be found in bronze, cloisonne enamel, pottery and porcelain. A near identical jade cong to the present lot can be found in the collection of the British Museum, London, ref.1914,0513.5