Lot 28. A silver garment-hook, Warring States Period (475-221 BC), 6.3cm., 2 1/2 in. Estimate 3,000 — 4,000 GBP. Lot sold 3,750 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's

the body cast in the form of a stylised animal head with large horns and ears, finely engraved with scrolls, the slender curved shaft terminating in a bird's head hook. Weight 22.5g.

Exhibited: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 80.

Literature: Gyllensvärd, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 80.

Ulricehamn, Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 83.

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