Tigre en bronze en deux parties, hufu Dynastie des Han

les deux formant un tally, deux boucles au revers pour les attacher l'un à l'autre, le corps démesurément allongé, la tête en avant, le pelage figuré par de fines rainures, caractères gravés sur le poitrail, sous le corps et sur le dos, patine sombre, D.W 3049.1 et D.W 3049.2 (2)

Inscriptions:
Sur le poitrail: Yangxi hujun
Sous le corps: tong hufu zuo / tong hufu you
Sur le dos : Huangdi zi yangxi hujun tong hufu di san

Both halves are in overall very good condition. They are heavily and solidly cast. There is some light encrustation to the left half of tally (visible in the catalogue illustration). The bronze has patinated to a greenish tone that is more intense than the catalogue illustration suggests. Both halves fit perfectly together, the characters inscribed on the back and base matching when joined. The inventory numbers D.W. 3049 and D.W. 3049.2 are inscribed in white on the inside.
"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."

Tiger tallies were common in the late Warring States and Han periods. Their origins, uses and functions are discussed by Lothar von Falkenhausen,'The E Jun Qi Metal Tallies', in Martin Kern (ed.), Text and Ritual in Ancient China, Washington D.C., 2006, pp. 82-91. The 1929 Berlin Exhibition of Chinese Art included a bronze fitting of a crouching tiger similar if not identical in size and design to the present two pieces, see Otto Kuemmel, Ausstellung Chinesischer Kunst, Berlin, 1929, cat. no. 237.