A Gold And Silver Inlaid Bronze Fitting. Warring States Period

of cylindrical knopped form, finely inlaid in gold and silver with a geometric stylized bird motif, wood stand. 11cm., 4 3/8 in. Estimate 4,000—6,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: From a Belgian private collection.

NOTE: Despite its utilitarian function this piece is elaborately inlaid with geometric designs and conventionalised animal motifs, executed in strands of silver pressed into cavities. The work is so finely done that the final effect is like a metal foil, betraying no aspect of the actual mode of its manufacture.

Compare fittings of related cylindrical form and similarly inlaid with various designs; see one in the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu, illustrated in Dr. Robert J. Poor, Ancient Chinese Bronzes, Ceramics and Jade in the Collection of the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu, 1979, pl. 46; two in the Alfred. F. Pilsbury collection, published in Bernhard Karlgren, A Catalogue of the Chinese Bronzes in the Alfred F. Pillsbury Collection, Minneapolis,1952, p. 215; and two included in the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong exhibition, Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1990, cat. nos 90-91.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com