Deux Garnitures de char en Bronze Dynastie des Zhou Occidentaux

de section ovale se terminant en pointe devant, d'où surgit une tête de bovidé aux cornes saillantes, le corps de l'animal représenté de profil sur les côtés, les pattes avant repliées sous lui, les pattes arrière légèrement tendues soulignées de lignes formant des enroulements, la queue large et courte à l'extrémité pointue, les bords supérieurs soulignés d'un léger bourrelet, l'arrière agrémenté d'une ouverture et d'un motif stylisé évoquant une cigale, la patine de couleur verte avec quelques incrustations, D.W 36/7 et D.W. 35/64 (2)

Discovered in North-western China (according to David-Weill's notes).

The x-ray reveals that the fitting on the left in the catalogue illustration is in good overall condition. There are two small, ca. 0.5cm holes to the sides just below the bellies of the ox and a ca. 1x0,5cm large hole to the back of the fitting. There are encrustations of earth on the inside and exterior of the fitting and the bronze has patinated to a dark green tone, darker than the catalogue illustration suggests. The x-ray reveals that the fitting on the right in the catalogue illustration there is a ca. 4x2x2.5cm wide piece broken out of the back par of the rim which has been reattached. Ther eis a ca. 1.5cm long crack to the rim on the front of the fitting extending into the side. There are two small, ca. 0,5cm large squarish holes to the sides just below the bellies of the ox and a ca. 1x1cm wide hole to the centre back of the fitting (just as on the second fitting. There are encrustations of earth on the inside and exterior of the fitting and the bronze has patinated to a dark green tone, darker than the catalogue illustration suggests. Both fittings are solidly cast, the fitting on the right in the catalogue illustration is slightly heavier than the other fitting.
"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 his notes on these two pieces, David David-Weill mentions that another bronze axle cap fitting of this type and design was owned by C.T. Loo, and that both fittings had been purchased in China from a 'Christian general'.