Lot 466. An archaic gold and silver-inlaid bronze ‘mythical animal’ ferrule, Eastern Zhou dynasty; 11.5cm high. Estimate HK$150,000 - 200,000. Sold for HK$ 525,000 (€ 62,385). Courtesy Bonhams

Shaped in the form of a leg of a mythical beast ending in a hoof, the exterior inlaid with silver and gold linings in geometric and swirling patterns, sectioned by three plain horizontal frieze at the base, waist and neck, the waist further flanked by a pair of ruyi-head finials.

Note: For a comparative example, see Jessica Rawson & Emma Bunker, Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1990, pp.180-181, no.88. See also an excavated example showing a related gilt-bronze tiger finial, unearthed in Huaiyang county, Henan province between 1981-1983, in the Henan Provincial Museum, Henan province, illustrated in Zhongguo Qingtongqi Quanji 10. Dong Zhou 4, Beijing, 1998, p.90, no.90-91.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 24 November 2013