Lot 731. A painted stone door lintel, Eastern Han dynasty or later. 63 in. (160 cm.) long. Estimate USD 6,000 - USD 9,000. Price realised USD 20,160. © Christie's 2022

The rectangular panel is carved in low relief with three horse-drawn chariots, escorted by two equestrian guards, approaching a pair of figures bowing in reverence. The scene is framed on top and the sides by a frieze of sinuous knobby-vine interspersed by various animals, including a fox, a duck, an owl, a monkey and a deer. The lintel has traces of red, orange and white pigments. 

Provenance: Christie's Hong Kong, 24-25 October 1993, lot 536A.

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