A RARE ARCHAIC BRONZE 'BIRD' ORNAMENT LATE SHANG DYNASTY |

of circular form, the domed surface crisply cast with a stylized mythical bird, detailed with a down-curved beak, bulging eyes, blade-shaped wings, and a hooked tail, all against a leiwen ground within a band of geometric square scales, the reverse set with a horizontal bar for attachment, the surface with some minor areas of malachite encrustation

Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

In overall good condition with expected minor wear.
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.

Bronze circular plaques of this type with a horizontal bar set to the reverse are called pao (bubble) in Chinese. They could be used as ornaments to decorate horse bridles or to adorn the carriage of a chariot - usually along the handrails or the sides of the base. Compare a group of bronze ornaments of this type made in various designs, excavated from a late Shang dynasty tomb at Xiaotun village, Henan province, exhibited in Charioting in the Shang Dynasty: Artifacts from the Horse-and-Chariot Pits at Hsiao-t'un, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2006, p. 51. The bird motif on the present ornament is also on a Shang dynasty bronze chariot fitting, possibly a yoke finial, cast with a closely related bird on the top, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bronze Articles for Daily Use, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 1.