Lot 7. A fine gold buckle, 4th-2nd century BC, 3.6cm., 1 3/8 in. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 GBP. Lot sold 26,900 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

of hemispherical shape and heavily cast with a design in relief of three sharp-clawed dragons, their sinuous bodies interlocking and curled around a central boss, the reverse with three loops for attachment. Weight 49g.

Exhibited: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 11.

Literature: Gyllensvärd, 1953, pl. 11.

Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 11. 

Sotheby's. Masterpieces of Chinese Precious Metalwork, Early Gold and Silver; Early Chinese White, Green and Black Wares, London, 14 May 2008