Lot 1202. An unusual bronze cylindrical axle cap or fitting, Early Western Zhou Dynasty, 11th-10th century BC; 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm.) diam. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 3,000 - USD 5,000. Price realised USD 9,375. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.

The top cast in high relief with a coiled bottle-horn dragon encircled by the raised outer rim, the sides cast in intaglio as if a continuation of the dragon's long body coiled around the sides and detailed with scales, with malachite and ferrous encrustation. 

Provenance: J.T. Tai & Co., New York, prior to 1977.

Christie's. Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011