LONDON.- A rare 17th century Ming Dynasty jade water pot is to be offered at auction in May for a very worthy cause – the Alzheimer’s Society. The pot, which is carved in the form of a chimera - a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, goat's body and serpent's tail, is one of the highlights of Dreweatts upcoming Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale (Part 1) on May 19, 2021.

The rare piece, which is estimated to fetch £5,000-£8,000 at auction, was donated at a family member’s request following their death and all funds will go to the Alzheimer’s Society. The daughter of the previous owners said: “My father became interested in Jade when he worked in the Far East and started collecting Jade from then on. Jade has been in the family all through my life. My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and when he died, he left the Jade ornament in his will to my mother, who was a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society. Although the Jade wasn’t left in her will to the Alzheimer’s Society, she always maintained that she would like the Jade to be kindly gifted to them when she died”.

On receiving this amazing bequest, the Alzheimer’s Society said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with 209,600 people expected to develop dementia this year (which is one person every three minutes), so every penny donated to Alzheimer’s Society really does make a difference. Now more than ever, people living with dementia need our help – they have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, both physically and through devastating social isolation. Therefore, proceeds from the sale of this kindly donated item will help fund Alzheimer’s Society’s vital services, to ensure that no one has to face dementia alone.”

Jade was much admired during the Ming dynasty, the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, a period of great change in Chinese history, which was expressed in its’ art and culture. Jade carving evolved with exceptional detail and new expressions, that combined human elements and non-religious subjects and motifs. The creamy white translucent jade, like the piece in the sale, was amongst the most popular.

Commenting on the piece, Dr. Yingwen Tao, Chinese and Asian Art specialist at Dreweatts said: “Jade carvings from the Ming Dynasty such as this, are highly prized for the beautiful detail in their carving, which demonstrates the wonderful skill of the stone cutter at the time. With such expertise these artisans were able to put so much life into a piece of stone. Dreweatts is delighted that the proceeds from the sale of this magnificent piece will go to such a worthwhile charity - the Alzheimer’s Society.”