A GILT-BRONZE 'DRAGON HEAD' FITTING HAN DYNASTY

the cylindrical shaft terminating in a large dragon's head with bulging eyes and a long upturned snout

Private Collection, Hong Kong, 1970s.

The fitting is in good overall condition with the exception of heavy green malachite and reddish-brown cuprite encrustation to the right side of the head and jaws, minor casting flaws and light rubbing and loss to the gilding.
"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."

A related example, but with incised scales on the slightly curving neck, excavated from the Han tomb no. 2 at Ganguan in Hanjiang, Jiangsu Province, is illustrated in Wenwu, 1981, vol. 11, pl. 1, fig. 5. Compare also similar dragon-head handles, but cast with open mouths; such as the one sold in our New York rooms, 4^th June 1986, lot 258, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, illustrated in James C.Y. Watt, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum Bulletin, Summer 1990, pl. 49; another sold in our New York rooms, 29^th November 1988, lot 54; and a third example, from the Vignier collection, included in the exhibition Ausstellung Chinesischer Kunst, Berlin, 1929, cat. no. 92.