Lot 867. A rare bronze zoomorphic circular fitting, Han dynasty, Dian culture, circa 2nd century BC; 4¾ in. (12 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 74,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2010.

Thinly cast, the slightly dished front cast in high relief in the center with a humanoid/owl mask with long pointed nose/beak above teeth-like markings, surrounded by a band of rays within zigzag borders, the slightly convex back with concave center and set with two horizontal angular hooks, with overall milky-green encrustation, box.

Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 1995.

Exhibited: The Glorious Traditions of Chinese Bronzes, Singapore, 2000, no. 86.
Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 2002-2006.  

Note: The shape and thin casting of this ornament, as well as the types of hooks on the reverse, are similar to other circular ornaments of the Dian Culture. See, lots 894 and 895, and an ornament illustrated by J.M. White and E.C. Bunker, Adornment for Eternity: Status and Rank in Chinese Ornament, Denver Art Museum, 1994, p. 114, pls. 33 and 34, where the back of a circular ornament is illustrated showing this particular type of hook.  

Christie's. The Sze Yuan Tang Archaic Bronzes from the Anthony Hardy Collection, New York, 16 September 2010.