Lot 19. A bronze lantern in the shape of a wild goose, probably Western Han dynasty, 206 B.C. - 8 A.D. H. 48 cm. Sold: €9 000 (Estimate €4 000- €6 000). Photo Nagel Auction.

Cast in several parts, with partly chiselled details and remnants of painting, the goose standing facing backwards, holding a fish in its beak, below it the lantern, which stands on the goose's back and used to be regulated via a now immobile lever. The bird in naturalistic representation with detailed moulded feet and fine plumage covering the body and neck. Partial corrosion, minor damages and repairs, traces of age.

Provenance: From the Zeileis collection, assembled in the 1980s and 90s.

Published in: - Friedrich Georg Zeileis, 'Von Shang bis Qing, Dreieinhalb Jahrtausende Chinesische Bronze', Gallspach, 1999, no. 124, pp. 330-331

- Cf. similar bronzes: Orientations, December 1987, p. 51; Orientations, December 1997, p. 57 and in: The Shaanxi Bronzes (ed. Li Xixing), Shaanxi People's Fine Arts Publishing House, 1994, p. 354, no. 319.

Fine Asian Art - Day I by Nagel Auction, June 12, 2023 • Stuttgart, Germany