Lot 301. A rare gilt-bronze model of a silkworm, Han dynasty; 2 7/8in (7.4cm) long. Estimate US$ 10,000 - 15,000 (€ 8,500 - 13,000). © Bonhams 2001-2020

The segmented body solid cast and supported on four paired legs on the dimpled body, the neck and lifted head further segmented and with three paired legs, large patches of gilding evident under the rich encrusted patina.

Note: The worship of the silkworm can be traced to the Shang Dynasty ( 1600 – 1027 BCE ) when it was common to make human sacrifices during the silkworm ceremony. Representations of the silkworm are associated with the domestication, rearing of the silk worm, and the all-important silk weaving industry which was part of the essential economy of China. From the 3rd Century CE the spirit of the silkworm personified the Empress Xiling after which the spirit of the silkworm was worshiped in a special ceremony officiated by the Empress every year during the second half of the lunar month, with offerings of mulberry leaves and woven silk at a special altar set up in the silkworm temple or palace. See examples in the Minneapolis Museum of Art; Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton 96.55.1; J.J. Lally & Co., Chinese Works of Art May 27-June 18, 1998, no. 21.

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