Lot 11. A small Ordos gold buckle, 6th-4th century BC, 2.7cm., 1 in. Estimate 1,800 — 2,500 GBP. Lot sold 6,875 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

cast with a lobed outline formed by six stylised bird heads with prominently raised eyes, their long curved beaks turned inwards toward the centre of the design, a square loop for attachment to the reverse. Weight 23g.

Exhibited: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 29.

Literature: Gyllensvärd, 1953, pl. 29.

Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 27. 

Sotheby's. Masterpieces of Chinese Precious Metalwork, Early Gold and Silver; Early Chinese White, Green and Black Wares, London, 14 May 2008