Lot 3131. A collection of 35 jewellery pieces comprising various glass and hardstone slit rings, bicephalous earrings, pendants, and bracelets, Vietnam, circa 3rd century; 5 to 7 cm. Lot sold: 60,480 HKD (Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000 HKD). © Sotheby's 2021

Property from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection.

Note: The double-headed earrings are one of the most unique artefacts discovered in Vietnam in the last decade. Usually made of semi-precious hardstones or glass, the earrings consist of two 'heads' linked by a horizontal post, with a hook-like, inverted triangular structure in the middle. It is thought that these bicephalous earrings represent a rare type of wild bovid in central Vietnam. It is rare to find bicephalous earrings in good condition with minor chipping on the 'animal' horns, such as the ones in present lot. For further discussion on Vietnamese ancient earrings, see Christopher J. Frape, 'Ancient Hardstones Earrings of Vietnam', Arts of Asia, September-October 1997, pp. 57-65.

Lot 3132. A group of 11 glass and hardstones slit rings, Vietnam, circa 3rd century; 1.5 to 7.5 cm. Lot sold: 16,380 HKD (Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000 HKD). © Sotheby's 2021

Property from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection.

Lot 3133. A group of 23 jewellery pieces comprising various glass and hardstone three-protrusion earrings, slit rings, and bracelets, Vietnam, circa 3rd century; largest 9.3 cm. Lot sold: 20,160 HKD (Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000 HKD). © Sotheby's 2021

Property from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection.

Note: Earrings with arrowhead protrusions have been found in a variety of forms in Vietnam and appear to have evolved from slit rings. The discovery of a unique Dong Son bronze dagger gives insights into the function of the earring; the handle of the dagger is cast with a warrior figure wearing typical northern Vietnamese combat attire and the three-pronged earrings, suggesting that this earring type was a male ornament. The arrowhead protrusions were very likely to be a symbol of power and authority. For further discussion on Vietnamese ancient earrings, see Christopher J. Frape, 'Ancient Hardstones Earrings of Vietnam', Arts of Asia, September-October 1997, pp. 57-65.

Sotheby's. A Scholarly Journey: The Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection, Hong Kong, 17 December 2021