Lot 1226. A bronze tubular chariot fitting, late Shang-early Western Zhou dynasty, 11th-10th century BC; 5¾ in. (14.6 cm) long. Estimate 7,000 - USD 9,000. Price realised USD 36,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The tubular fitting is surmounted by a pair of addorsed, outward-facing rabbits, with heads lowered and ears laid back. The bronze has a greenish-grey patina and malachite and cuprite encrustation.

Provenance: Collection of the late Baron Paul Hatvany, sold by order of the trustees, Christie's London, 14 July 1980, lot 291 (one of a pair).

Note: A similar tubular chariot fitting surmounted by two addorsed rabbits, dated to the Shang dynasty, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - Bronze Articles for Daily Use, Hong Kong, 2006, no. 2.

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