Lot 1143. A rare gilt-bronze figural staff finial, Tang dynasty (618-907); 8 5/8 in. (22 cm.) long. Estimate USD 2,000 - USD 4,000. Price realised USD 13,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The fitting is heavily cast as a tubular shaft surmounted by the finely cast head of a foreigner with hooked nose, prominent cheekbones and hair shown in overlapping scalloped rows, probably representing curls. There are traces of gilding allover, wood stand.

Provenance: Raymond A. Bidwell (1876-1954) Collection.
The Springfield Museums, Springfield, Massachusetts, accessioned in 1962.

Literature: The Raymond A. Bidwell Collection of Chinese Bronzes and Ceramics, Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1965, pp. 60-61.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 21 - 22 March 2013