A fine gilt bronze scroll (or other) weight. Warring States

Designed as a curled Qilin, or similar, mythological animal; on a circular base (some verdigris/green agent). 7cm (2¾in) diameter.- Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 - Unsold.

Note: Similar weights, designed as gilt bronze leopards, are also known from the Western Han era. See the pair, discovered in 1968 from the tomb of Princess Tou Wan at Man-ch'eng in Hopei (Genius of China Exhibition, Royal Academy Nos. 150 and 151). The exact employment of these weights is somewhat uncertain, but they may have been used to secure the edges of the funeral pall.

Bonhams. Chinese and other Asian Works of Art, 9 Dec 2008. Knightsbridge. Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved. www.bonhams.com