Lot 303. Two gilt-bronze bear-form supports, Han dynasty; 1 3/8in (3.5cm) high. Estimate US$ 8,000 - 12,000 (6,800 - 10,000). © Bonhams 2001-2020

Each hollow cast and seated with left fore-paw on folded leg and right fore-paw on well-rounded thigh, each head downcast with gaping mouth showing large teeth and surrounded by a large ruff under pointed ears framing small eyes, the deep sockets and rounded belly cast to receive inlays, the back of each figure cast with a perforated lug for attachment.

Note: Bears were depicted in Chinese art at least as early as the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1050 BC). The bear imagery was popular during the Han Dynasty symbolizing heroic power and has been associated with legendary rulers. Bears are observed in Han art as integral supports for bronze, lacquer and ceramic vessels, as solid-cast bronze sculptural mat-weights, in molded ceramic tiles, in textiles and as carved jade and hardstone figures. For a fine inlaid example, see Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Gilt Bronzes from the Wessen and Other Collections (Eskenazi, Ltd., London, 11-25 July 1980) no. 22. See also a small gilt bronze bear mat weight sold at Christie's New York, 17 March 2015, from the Robert Ellsworth collection, a closely related seated bear in the Cleveland Museum collection (acquisition number 1994.203), and a set of four Han bear support fittings in the National Museum of Korea, (acquisition number Bongwan 4799).

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