TWO RARE OPENWORK GOLD BEADS HAN DYNASTY

each of spherical shape with twelve facets composed of twelve small gold rings soldered together with an arrangement of granulations each comprising four small granulated beads reinforcing the structure

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 13.

Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 13.

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, The Museum of Art and Far Eastern Antiquities in Ulricehamn, Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 13.

The beads are not identical but show slight differences in size and detailing. They are in overall good condition and show overall very light surface wear and scratching.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Openwork beads with granulation were made in a variety of forms, compare Yang Boda, 'Ancient Chinese Cultures of Gold Jewellery and Ornamentation', Arts of Asia, vol. 38, no. 2, March-April 2008, pl. 43, and Simon Kwan and Sun Ji, Chinese Gold Ornaments, Hong Kong, 2003, pls. 135-137. Closely related openwork gold beads can also be found in the Henan Provincial Museum, illustrated in Zhongguo jin yin boli falang qi quanji, vol. 1, Shijiazhuang, 2004, pl. 219.