Lot 727. A pair of small gilt-bronze taotie mask fittings, Han-Northern Wei dynasty (206 BC-AD534). Each 2 3⁄4 in. (7 cm.) overall, cloth box. Estimate USD 7,000 - USD 10,000. Unsold. © Christie's 2022

Each mask is cast as a powerful taotie with thick brows, curved horns, and a pronounced nose above bared teeth from which issues a hook that suspends a loose ring. 

Provenance: Galaxie Art (B. K. Wong), Hong Kong, 25 October 1986.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 25 march 2022