Lot 374. A pair of gilt-bronze 'mask' ring-handles, Eastern Han–Six Dynasties (25-589); 6.5 cm, 2 1/2  in. Estimate HKD 15,000 — 20,000. Lot Sold 43,750 HKD. © Sotheby's.

each cast with a taotie mask, issuing a hook that suspends a loose ring.

Note: See two related pairs of 'mask' ring-handles, illustrated in Chugoku kodai no bijitsu [Ancient Chinese works of art], Idemitsu Art Gallery, Tokyo, 1978, no. 137 top right; and a silver pair from the collection of Dr Johan Carl Kempe, sold at Christie's New York, 12th September 2019, lot 532.

Sotheby's. Chinese Art, including Snuff Bottles and Jades from an Old Hong Kong Family Collection, Hong Kong, 28 november 2019