Lot 810
  • 810

AN GOLD 'MASK' PLAQUE EASTERN HAN DYNASTY |

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Height 2 3/4  in., 7 cm
the gold sheet hammered with repoussé and cut-out details, the circular face with openwork eyes and mouth, a broad nose, pronounced cheeks and forehead, and oval ears, framed by openwork curls on all sides and a rosette surrounded by further curls at the chest, stand (2)

Provenance

Collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley (1881-1939).
Collection of Alfred William Cowperthwaite (1890-1964), acquired circa 1939, and thence by descent.

Condition

The plaque is in overall good condition with only minor dents and some areas of oxidation (particularly to the reverse), commensurate with age and material.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Compare a gold mask of the same design published in Yang Boda, 'Ancient Chinese Cultures of Gold Jewellery and Ornamentation', Arts of Asia, vol. 38, no. 2, March-April 2008, p. 93, fig. 21; and a pair from the Inner Mongolia Museum, Huhehaote, published in Zhang Jingming Zhongguo beifang caoyuan gudai jinyinqi [Ancient Gold and Silver Works from China's Northern Steppe], Beijing, 2005, pl. 49.