Lot 409. A turquoise-inlaid gilt-bronze 'Bear' fitting, Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE); 5cm., 2in. Estimate 1,500 — 2,000 GBP. Lot Sold 2,750 GBP. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 2008

naturalistically cast, the beast seated with both front paws raised to the side of its head as if supporting a load, the eyes, chest, knees and mouth inlaid with turquoise.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London