Lot 1603. A rare small bronze 'figural' lamp, Western Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 8); 5 ½ in. (14 cm.) high. Estimate USD 12,000 - USD 18,000. Price realised USD 100,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2019.

The base of the lamp is cast as a figure with an almost beak-like mouth, prominent eyes and hair drawn back into a point on the back of the head, shown kneeling on a footed plinth. His left hand rests on his knee and his extended right hand holds the stem of the lamp, which is surmounted by a shallow circular tray that would have held the wick.