- 55
A SILVER AND GOLD INLAID BRONZE HORSE LEG FITTING HAN DYNASTY
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
naturalistically cast, the slender leg and hoof finely inlaid in gold and silver with a leafy symmetrical scroll within geometric bands, the metal patinated to a dark chocolate tone
Provenance
Private Collection, Hong Kong, 1970s.
Condition
The leg is in good overall condition with the exception of loss to the silver inlay predominantly to the band of triangular chevrons encircling the top of the leg and to the two thin bands on the right side of the hoof, minor nicks to the edges and light pitting around the knee possibly contemporary to manufacture.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The present piece is notable for its highly naturalistic form, which exemplifies the development towards naturalism in the Han dynasty. See an example of a small bronze ram with similarly shaped legs, included in the exhibition Ausstellung Chinesischer Kunst, Gesellschaft fur Ostasiatische Kunst und Preußische Akademie der Künste, Berlin, 1929, cat. no. 72. Compare also slightly earlier examples of inlaid finials of this form, such as a series illustrated in O. Karlbeck, 'Selected Objects from Ancient Shou-Chou', B.M.F.E.A., Stockholm, 1955, no. 27, pls 12-13; one sold in these rooms, 17th November 1970, lot 38; and another sold at Christie's London, 10th April 1984, lot 33.