Lot 300. A rare gilt-bronze belt hook, Warring States period;4 1/4in (10.7cm) long. Estimate US$ 6,000 - 8,000 (€ 5,100 - 6,800). © Bonhams 2001-2020

The gilt bronze surface cast as a feline mask embellished with twisted sashes heightened with raised commas enclosing a circular plaque inlaid with six radiating clusters of degraded stone, and joined to a silver housed shaft terminating in a dragon-headed hook, the gilt underside supported by a broad stud.

Note: For a closely related belt hook, see Inspired Metalwork: Precious Metal Objects in Early Chinese Art by Gisèle Croës (Brussels, 2005), p.54. Compare an inlaid belt hook from the Junkunc collection sold by Sotheby's New York, 9 March 2019, lot 114.

See also a belt hook of related shape, published in Julia White et al Adornment for the Body and Soul: Ancient Chinese Ornaments from the Mengdiexuan Collection (Hong Kong: The Univ. Museum and Art Gallery, 1999), p 110. 

Bonhams. Featuring the RenLu Collection, 21 Sep 2020, 10:00 EDT, NewYork