A gilt-bronze dragon head axe fitting. Tang dynasty

the animal with a 'pearl' clenched between his teeth, the eyes raised in high relief, with picked out fur and scales, the head terminating in a rounded axe blade above a tubular support. 10.1cm., 4in. Est. 15,000—25,000 GBP. Lot Sold 18,750 GBP

PROVENANCE: Private collection Hong Kong, 1970s.

NOTE: Compare a ceremonial hatchet in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, Rogers Fund, 1916

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London www.sothebys.com