Plaque en Bronze Mongolie Intérieure, Ordos, VIE-VE siècle avant J.-C.

sculptée en forme d'un tigre puissant s'apprêtant à dévorer une antilope recroquevillée entre ses pattes, le corps parcouru de sillons imitant des cordages, deux boucles plates au revers pour l'attacher, le bronze enrichi d'une patine vert pâle, D.W 35/63

The x-ray shows that the plaque is in overall very good condition. It is heavily and finely cast, the head solidly cast. The left side of the tiger's head is partially unfinished. The plaque is covered with a light green patina and some traces of encrustation. The inventory number is inscribed in white on the back of the plaque.
"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."

Following the exploration of the desert regions in the north, northwest and northeast of China in the early 1900s, numerous small bronze fittings and plaques featuring animals in combat made by the nomadic cultures of the Eurasian steppes appeared on the art market and found their way into Western collections. A pair from the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art, Kansas, first illustrated in the Catalogue of the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, London, 1935-1936, cat. nos. 151 and 161, was discussed in Emma Bunker et. al. 'Animal Style' Art from East to West, New York, 1972, cat. no. 84. A bronze plaque of the same design but of slightly larger size was acquired from C. T. Loo in 1937 by the Musée Cernuschi in Paris, published in Gilles Béguin, Art Animalier. Les Collections de Haute Asie du Musée Cernuschi. Iran, Caucase et Steppes Orientales, Paris, 2012, pp. 134-135, cat. no. 125.