Lot 3694. A parcel-gilt bronze brushrest, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 12.6 cm., 4 7/8  in. Estimate 80,000 — 100,000 HKD. Lot sold 137,500 HKD. © Sotheby's

deftly cast in the form of a farmer ushering a buffalo across an arched bridge with a rope, the farmer depicted exerting his strength tugging the rope with one foot firmly planted on the bridge, the surface of the bridge skilfully rendered with a striated pattern, the bronze patinated to a smooth dark chocolate-brown colour with splashes of gilt on the buffalo's head and tail, as well as the right shoulder of the farmer.