09 septembre 2020
Four gilt-bronze animal sculptures, Han dynasty;
Lot 302. Four gilt-bronze animal sculptures, Han dynasty; Average length: 1 1/8in (2.8cm). Average height: 3/4in (2cm) (4).. Estimate US$ 2,500 - 4,000 (€ 2,100 - 3,400). © Bonhams 2001-2020
Each hollow ornament cast in high relief with a recumbent panther or feline, the well-defined head resting on back haunches.
Note: Hollowed ornaments such as these were used as either mat weights with the addition of filler，or part of a horse bridle or saddle embellishments.
For a related group, see... [Lire la suite]09 septembre 2020
A rare gilt-bronze model of a silkworm, Han dynasty;
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... [Lire la suite]09 septembre 2020
A rare gilt-bronze belt hook, Warring States period
Lot 300. A rare gilt-bronze belt hook, Warring States period;4 1/4in (10.7cm) long. Estimate US$ 6,000 - 8,000 (€ 5,100 - 6,800). © Bonhams 2001-2020
The gilt bronze surface cast as a feline mask embellished with twisted sashes heightened with raised commas enclosing a circular plaque inlaid with six radiating clusters of degraded stone, and joined to a silver housed shaft terminating in a dragon-headed hook, the gilt underside supported by a broad stud.
Note: For a closely related belt hook, see Inspired... [Lire la suite]