Lot 124. A bronze 'feline' handle, Zhou dynasty (1050-221 BC); h. 12.7 cm, overall h. 16.7 cm. Lot sold: 403,200 HKD (Estimate: 100,000 - 150,000 HKD). © Sotheby's 2022

originally affixed to the exterior of a vessel and clambering up over the rim, the animal rendered with a sinuous scaly body with a plain band running along the spine, terminating in a long upcurled tail, its head straining forward, depicted with prominent circular eyes, large pointed ears, a broad snout and a wide open mouth, supported by a modern stand.

Provenance: Collection of Prince Louis de Polignac (1909-96), Paris.
Eskenazi Ltd, London, 1980.
Shirley Day Ltd, London, 8th December 1997.

Literature: Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Gilt Bronzes from the Wessen and Other Collections, Eskenazi Ltd, London, 1980, cat. no. 8.

Exhibited: Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Gilt Bronzes from the Wessen and Other Collections, Eskenazi Ltd, London, 1980.

Sotheby's. HOTUNG  The Personal Collection of the late Sir Joseph Hotung: Part 1, Hong Kong, 9 October 2022