A RARE GILT-BRONZE 'DUCK' GARMENT HOOK HAN DYNASTY

the shaft cast in the form of a stylised duck, the head turned sharply over its back and folded wings decorated with geometric swirls, the underside with a circular button

Private Collection, Hong Kong, 1970s.

The hook is in good overall condition with the exception of minor nibbles to the edges, light overall pitting and malachite encrustation and some rubbing to the gilding down the length of the beak.
"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 belthook of this form, but with a slender plain body, from the Mayer collection, was sold at Christie's London, 24-25^th June 1974, lot 194; and similar examples are illustrated in Bernhard Karlgren, 'Chinese Agraffes in Two Swedish Collections', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, no. 38, Stockholm, 1966, pl. 75.