Lot 810. An gold 'mask' plaque, Eastern Han dynasty (25--220). Height 2 3/4  in., 7 cm. Estimate USD 8,000 — 12,000. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the gold sheet hammered with repoussé and cut-out details, the circular face with openwork eyes and mouth, a broad nose, pronounced cheeks and forehead, and oval ears, framed by openwork curls on all sides and a rosette surrounded by further curls at the chest, stand (2).

Provenance: Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939).
Collection of Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired circa 1939, and thence by descent.