Lot 6
  • 6

Dague Archaïque en Bronze, ge Début de la dynastie des Zhou Occidentaux, XE siècle avant J.-C

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • Bronze
  • Long. 29,7 cm
la lame soulignée d'une arête médiane en léger relief se continuant jusqu'à la bague de la hampe ornée d'une tête d'animal en hauteur, ses cornes plates et ses oreilles plaquées en arrière, la patine sombre et lisse ponctuée de taches rouges, D.W. 30/29

Condition

The x-ray reveals that the blade is broken and restored. A fine crack around the neck of the animal head shows that it was also broken and reattached, the break repatinated. The patina on one side of the blade and handle has been polished, the bronze a fine reddish-brown colour with some malachite encrustation. There is some light encrustation on the other side of the dagger, some lighter areas and some malachite areas, The bronze surface of the head a deep brownish red. The inventory number D.W. is inscribed in white inside the neck of the handle. Overall, the colour of the bronze is of a richer, more saturated tone than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The head of the ovine creature cast in the round on the butt of the dagger is very similar to ovine heads with similarly laid back ears and rounded features cast on bronze finials discovered in tomb M13 at Zhuyuangou, Baoji, Shaanxi, illustrated in Baoji Yu guo mudi, Beijing, 1988, vol. 2, pl. 33.1 and 2.