A LARGE AND RARE GOLD, TURQUOISE AND AGATE-INLAID IRON FISH-FORM FITTING WARRING STATES

naturalistically modeled, the upper surface of the fish detailed with gilt over-lapping scales, the head inlaid with gold leaf between the fins and turquoise at the eye, with a large agate ring looped over the upturned fin, the underside with a large circular knob, extensively corroded, wood stand, Japanese wood box (4)

Kaikan Tokubetsu Shuppin Seihin Senshu [Special Opening Exhibition - Anthology of Selected Masterpieces], Kyushu National Museum, Fukuoka, 2005, cat. no. 4.

Hayashi Minao and Higuchi Takayasu, Fugendō Sakamoto Gorō Chūgoku seidōki seishō / Ancient Chinese Bronzes in the Sakamoto Collection, Tokyo, 2002, col. pl. 17.

Extensively corroded, particularly to the tail and underside, obscuring the original surface of the fitting. The gilt iron surface revealed in parts, showing some losses of gold inlay and malachite encrustations. The agate ring to the tail likely cleaned.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Iron inlaid with precious materials was used for belt hooks and other luxury objects during the Warring States period. Several examples, all characterized by the heavy corrosion of the iron surface, are known, including two featured in the exhibition Chinese Art of the Warring States Period. Change and Continuity, 480-222 B.C., Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1982, cat. nos 51-52. Whilst the form of the present fitting follows that of belt hooks, its large size suggests a more practical function. Two bronze hooks with hinged oval handles were discovered together with bronze tripod vessels, ding, in the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng in Hebei Province, and it is believed that hooks of this type were inserted through the open handles of bronze vessels to lift the tripods while they were still hot, see ibid., p. 62.  Hooks with ring handles were also used as chariot or harness fittings, see a pair of bronze fittings sold at Sotheby's London, 12th December 1978, lot. 220.