Lot 31. An unusual Ordos gold harness fitting, 6th-4th century BC; 7.4cm., 3 7/8 in. Weight 42g. Estimate 1,200 — 2,000 GBP. Lot sold 31,700 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's 2008

cast as four stylised animal heads issuing from a zoomorphic body and forming a taotie-mask with a pair of raised bosses flanking a central flange.

Exhibited: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no.33.

Literature: Gyllensvärd, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 33.

Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 31.

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