A pair of fine figural oil lamps. China, Han-dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). Photo Auktionshaus Stahl

Gilt bronze, min. green patina. Very fine lamps in the shape of kneeling guardians with fine drawing, holding a circular bowl. Each with 3 eye loops for the original hanging. L. 11 cm.

Note: Due to their characteristic naturalism, figural oil lamps from the Han-dynasty are among the highlights of early Chinese sculptures. Compare the present lot to another figural oil lamp in the Hebei Museum, excavated in 1968 in Mancheng. See: Metropolitan Museum, New York [exhib.cat.]: The Great Bronze Age of China: An Exhibition from the People's Republic of China, New York 1980, p. 328.

Provenance.: Rare Chinese Bronzes and Works of Art from an important private collection in France (Lot 700 - 721).
The following group of bronzes, ceramics and jade objects are part of an old noble collection in Southern France. The collection has been assembled since the 19th cent. By an art-minded entrepreneur and has been in the estate of the family by descent ever since. The family kept manifold private and commercial relations to China and was able to build up an exquisite and important collection. A selection of these marvelous objects is now being offered and is available to the global art market for the very first time. The objects demonstrate the fascination for Chinese and Asian Art and the collecting passion of an intellectual gentleman and connoisseur.

Auktionshaus Stahl.  Samedi 23 février 2013. Graumannsweg 54 - 22087 Hamburg. Tel. +49 (0) 40 34 34 71