Lot 847. A very rare gilt-bronze feline-form ornament, North China, 1st-2nd century AD. Estimate: USD 15,000 - USD 25,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

The finely cast feline is shown gracefully prowling with head turned to the side and right fore-paw raised, the end of the tail hidden behind the right rear paw. Two pins project from the almost flat reverse. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) long, box

Provenance: Private collection, France, before 1945.
The Erwin Harris Collection, Miami, Florida, before 1969.

Literature: J. F. So and E. C. Bunker, Traders and Raiders on China's Northern Frontier, Washington D.C., Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1995, pp. 155-56, no. 77, and cover.