A painted grey pottery mythical animal stand, Late Han dynasty-Three Kingdoms period, 3rd century. © Christie's Image 2003

Hollow-modelled as a recumbent beast curved around a central socket, the raised head with blunt snout and a single knobbed horn, with wings extending back from the shoulders, extensive white slip remaining - 9¼in. (23.5c.) long - Lot 198. Estimate $1,200 - $1,800. Price Realized $1,554 

Provenance: Blanchette H. Rockefeller Collection.

Notes: A mythical beast of this type with central socket and raised head is illustrated by E. Schloss, Ancient Chinese Ceramic Sculpture from Han to T'ang, vol. II, Stamford, Connecticut, 1977, pl. 17. 

CHRISTIE'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 18 September 2003, New York, Rockefeller Plaza