A WESTERN CHINESE BRONZE SLEEVE WEIGHT IN THE FORM OF A FELINE ORDOS, 5TH-4TH CENTURY BC

cast in profile wtih its body and tail curved inwards to form a disc-like shape, the bronze patinated to a dark chocolate tone

Collection of Professor and Mrs Charles Seligman, Oxfordshire, UK, acquired early to mid-20th century.

S. Howard Hansford, The Seligman Collection of Oriental Art, vol. I, London, 1957, pl. XLVIII, no. 103.

The sleeve weight has patches of verdigris and corrosion particularly to the edges which is also visible in the catalogue illustration.
"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 plaque of more abstracted design, attributed to the 6th century BC is illustrated in Emma C. Bunker (et. al.), Nomadic Art of the Eastern Eurasian Steppes. The Eugene V. Thaw and Other New York Collections, New York, 2002, pl. 38. A buckle with the same design is illustrated in Emma C. Bunker, Ancient Bronzes of the Eastern Eurasian Steppes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 1997, pl. 114.

The Ordos people were 6^th-2^nd century BC nomads travelling in the area of the Ordos desert in Inner Mongolia. Consequently their artefacts concentrate on highly portable objects and they are renowned for their bronzes, particularly their costume adornments.