A PAINTED GRAY POTTERY FIGURE OF A MYTHICAL BEAST HAN DYNASTY |

the beast modeled standing four square, with head lowered and muscular haunches bracing as if about to charge, the crown and neck with three imposing pointed horns, a row of four studs along the spine, continuing to a long tail curled back, the right hind leg with a large grooved spiral, with traces of white slip and red pigment all over

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

The figure is in overall good condition, with some expected restoration to extremities, including the tail and horns and possibly legs. Some expected wear to the surface and some minor chips to extremities. There appears to be consolidation to the interior.
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.

Compare a related figure included in the exhibition Art of the Han, The China Institute in America, New York, 1979, cat. no. 40, where Ezekiel Schloss discusses how the composition of different animal's elements was said to give special supernatural powers to the mythical creature. See similar examples illustrated by René-Yvon Lefbvre d'Argencé, The Hans Popper Collection of Oriental Art, Japan, 1973, cat. no. 40, and R.L. Hobson, The Eumorfopoulos Collection, vol. I, London, 1925, pl. XVII, 128. Compare one exhibited in Into the Afterlife: Han and Six Dynasties Chinese Tomb Sculpture from the Schloss Collection, Vassar College Art Gallery, Poughkeepsie, 1990, cat. no. 32, sold recently in these rooms, 15th September 2018, lot 1390 (part lot). For other examples sold in these rooms, refer to one sold 2nd November 1979, lot 144, and 12th June 1984, lot 124. Another related figure sold in our London rooms, 15th July 1980, lot 5.