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Lot 311
2nd millennium BC. A bronze rapier with narrow, gently tapering blade with flat midrib and chamfered edges, lozengiform plaque with lateral fixing notches, square butt. Cf. Burgess, C. & Gerloff, S. The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, vol.4, 1981, item 817. 159 grams, 35cm (13 3/4"). Found near Royston, Hertfordshire, UK. Fine condition, repaired.
Lot 312
2nd millennium BC. A penannular bracelet formed as two hollow silver coils enclosing a c-section gold fillet. 66 grams, 75mm (3"). From an important private London collection; formed in the 1970s and 1980s. As the warrior elite began to grow in importance during the Bronze Age, gold was used as a means to demonstrate their power, and these individuals would have had access to, and control of, limited supplies of gold and craftsmen who were able to produce prestige items. These objects would be a means of conveying their political, tribal and religious functions through a display of personal adornment that would hold significant, symbolic meaning to the viewer. A similar gold bracelet to this one was found in the burial mound of an aristocratic individual in 1884, in Segeberg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Fine condition.
Lot 313
3rd millennium BC. A gold hair ring consisting of a sheet of gold with ridged body; hole to one end, thin projection with curved end to the other. 4.83 grams, 30mm (1 1/4"). Ex Bunker collection, Hertfordshire, UK; acquired at an art fair in Oxford, 1970. Supplied with a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. During the Bronze Age gold ornamentation became increasingly popular with the emerging warrior aristocracy across Europe. These new groups sought to establish trading links that often stretched across Europe and did so by the tight control of natural resources and precious commodities, such as gold and bronze. Gold not only helped establish an individual as someone highly important in society, but it also had religious connotations, being associated with the solar cult that was expressed through the building of megaliths. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Lot 324
1st millennium BC. An early Iron Age or late Bronze Age gold hair pin with thick body tapering to a point, flaring rim to the top, collar to the underside. 13 grams, 62mm (2 1/4"). Private collection, London, UK; formerly with Persepolis Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK; in the 1980s. Very fine condition.
Lot 3381
19th century AD or earlier. Cavino. Obv: IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR POT legend with bare head right. Rev: SECVRITAS P R legend with emperor standing right before alatr, extending hand to four soldiers carrying standards; SC in exergue. Lawrence 23. 15.84 grams, 33mm. From a specialist collection of 15th-19th century medallions. No prototype medallion known and Otho has no bronze coins from the Rome mint. [No Reserve] Very fine/fine.
Lot 354
8th century AD. A gilt-bronze cruciform mount with Insular Style decoration; D-shaped head with facing human mask within a raised border; body with intersecting raised arcs and central hole, T-shaped arm with billeted fringe, attachment hole, pelleted knotwork panel; pelta-shaped lower panel with interlaced lattice, ferrous rivet head; remains of ferrous plaque to the reverse. See Ryan, M. Ireland and Insular Art AD500-1200, Dublin, 1985 for discussion of type. 9.28 grams, 41mm (1 3/4"). Found East Yorkshire, UK Fine condition.
Lot 355
6th century AD. A bronze bow brooch with rectangular headplate and beast-heads to the upper corners, deep bow, footplate with beast-head lappets and horse-head terminal with stylised human mask on the muzzle; pin-lug to the reverse. Cf. MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E. A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals) items 15.38, 15.39. 60 grams, 11.5cm (4 1/2"). Property of an Essex gentleman; acquired in the late 1970s. Brooches such as these were in widespread use throughout the Migration period in northern Germany, Scandinavia and Anglo-Saxon England. They were worn by all levels of society as practical safety pins for securing garments, and the decoration on them suggest Germanic religious beliefs, with the face masks possibly representing deities. Fine condition. Very rare.
Lot 361
9th-11th century AD. A bronze knife pommel with flared collar to the mouth, gusset to the upper edge, voids to the upper face formed as an expanding-arm cross with central knop; lead-filled for use as a trade weight. Cf. West, S. A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998, fig.1000 (4) for type. 84 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). Found Suffolk, UK. Fine condition.
Lot 3631
Dated 1735 AD. Rennes mint. Obv: profile bust with LUD XV D G FR ET NAV REX legend; with 'FRANKLIN' stamp vertically to bust. Rev: crowned arms within wreath wih '9' mintmark below and SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM legend and date. KM# 486.26. 29.14 grams. Ex Peter Preston-Morley; with a letter dated 30 September 1993 from J. Gavin Scott discussing this piece. J. Gavin Scott is the author of British Countermarks on Copper and Bronze Coins, Spink, 1975 and other works on the subject of countermarks applied to coins. Coin good fine; countermark good very fine. Rare.
Lot 3720
Published 1982, 1983(2), 1995 and 1997 AD. Group comprising: Frel, The Getty Bronze, Getty Museum, 1982; Rivet, Tabula Imperii Romanii, Condate-Gel; vum-Londinium-Lutetia, British Academy, 1983; Henig, A Handbook of Roman Art, Phaidon, 1983; Bland and Johns, The Hoxne Treasure, British Museum, 1995 and Laing, Art and Society in Roman Britain, Sutton, 1997. 2.03 kg total, largest 25 x 18cm (10 x 7"). Property of a Hertfordshire, UK collector. [5, No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 3736
Published 1960 AD. Peck, C. Wilson, English Copper, Tin and Bronze Coins in the British Museum, 1558-1958, British Museum, London, first edition; hardback, publisher's red cloth, with dustwrapper. 2.05 kg, 27 x 21cm. (10 1/2 x 8 1/4"). Ex libris Lord Stewartby (Ian Stewart), with his bookplate. [No Reserve] Fine condition; dustwrapper shabby.
Lot 3737
Published 1960 AD. Peck, C. Wilson, English Copper, Tin and Bronze Coins in the British Museum, 1558-1958, British Museum, London, first edition; hardback, publisher's red cloth. 2.05 kg, 27 x 21cm. (10 1/2 x 8 1/4"). Ex libris Lord Stewartby (Ian Stewart"). [No Reserve] Good condition; back board water stained (not affecting interior).
Lot 378
9th-11th century AD. A gold pendant with flat bottom, flat-section wall and filigree handle, ornamented with granulation and filigree detailing. See Meaney, A. Anglo-Saxon Amulets and Curing Stones, Oxford, BAR British Series 96, 1981, p.166-168 for discussion of the type. 2.76 grams, 8.36mm (1/4"). Acquired on the German art market in the 1990s. Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
Lot 404
9th-11th century AD. A mixed group of jewellers' items comprising: three D-section silver ingots; two gusseted hollow bronze fittings; two lengths of folded rectangular silver sheet; twelve silver wire hoops of various sizes on a loop. See Graham-Campbell, J. & Williams, G. (eds.), Silver Economy in the Viking Age, Walnut Creek, 2007 for discussion. 228 grams total, 2-11.5cm (3/4 - 4 1/2"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [20, No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 419
9th-12th century AD. A gold pendant with pellets to the flat bottom, flat-section wall and handle, ornamented with granulation and filigree detailing. Cf. Meaney, A. Anglo-Saxon Amulets and Curing Stones, Oxford, BAR British Series 96, 1981, p.166-168. 1.31 grams, 8.26mm (1/4"). Property of a German gentleman; acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
Lot 420
9th-11th century AD. A gold pendant with domed bottom, flat-section wall and filigree handle, ornamented with granulation and filigree detailing. See Meaney, A. Anglo-Saxon Amulets and Curing Stones, Oxford, BAR British Series 96, 1981, p.166-168 for discussion of the type. 1.59 grams, 8.11mm (1/4"). From an old German collection, formed in the 1990s. Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
Lot 427
10th-11th century AD. A bronze boar-head brooch with separate backplate; the body a hollow-formed case with upstanding ears, median ridge sloping to the triangular muzzle; the surface detailed with panels of pecking separated by bands of shallow parallel notches extending to the backplate with trapezoidal slot, pin-lugs, round-section pin with pierced flange, integral catchplate with closed end. Cf. MacGregor, A. et al. A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, items 3.25, 3.27. 25 grams, 44mm (1 3/4"). Property of a UK collector; previously in a 19th century collection. Animal-headed brooches, the most common of the Gotlandic types, were made in workshops on the island continuously from the eighth to the twelfth centuries. Boar-head brooches were worn in pairs on the shoulders by women, with a round box-brooch or disc-on-bow brooch pinned at the centre of the chest. The boar is associated with the fertility god Freyr among others. Very fine condition.
Lot 429
9th-12th century AD. A bronze double ring linked chain with eight pendants, four in silver, consisting of one with pseudo-Islamic inscription; two with conjoined pelta pattern to the centre and with pelta border; two with geometric loop pattern; one with eagle with wings outspread; one with sunburst motif; one with two ravens facing one another; hook and eye catch to the top. 123 grams, 51.6cm (20 1/2"). Property of an American collector; acquired 1980-2000. Fine condition.
Lot 433
10th century AD. A gilt bronze disc-shaped pendant with integral suspension loop; engraved to the surface with an interlaced Jellinge style floral pattern. Cf. Arwidsson, G. Birka II: 2 Systematische Analysen der Gräberfunde, Uppsala, 1986, p.126, fig.14:1. 17 grams, 50mm (2"). Property of an professional collector; acquired before 1990. Very fine condition.
Lot 434
10th-11th century AD. A bronze pectoral cross with suspension ring and pierced lug above, raised linear borders enclosing a facing Corpus Christi with cross above the head. 8.28 grams, 48mm (1 3/4"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Extremely fine condition.
Lot 439
8th-9th century AD. A rectangular enamelled bronze mount of slightly convex section; square central raised panel with raised rectangles and enamelled infill; plaque separated into zones by a saltire with raised pellet detail, each zone decorated with interlocking triangles (upper and lower) and knotwork (left and right); chamfered border, two pierced lugs to the reverse. Cf. Youngs, S. (ed.) The Work of Angels: Masterpieces of Celtic Metalwork, 6th-9th Centuries AD, London, 1989, p.61, item 52. 44 grams, 41mm (1 3/4"). From an old English collection; acquired in the 1970s. The enamel is in the characteristic coral-red and amber-yellow of early medieval Irish tradition. Fine condition.
Lot 440
3rd-5th century AD. A bronze mount of a standing male and a female couple, each with the right hand holding the stretched left hand, each touching the other's genitals; the female figure decorated with incised belt decoration; lower part of the male's legs missing. See Oldtidens Ansigt, Det kongelige Nordiske Oldskiftselska og Jysk Arkaeologisk Selskab, 1990, p.134, 138, for the gesture and design. 3.79 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). Property of a West Midlands, UK, collector; acquired on the UK art market 1990s. A parallel to the style and pose of this 'couple' can be seen on several small bronzes inspired by Roman statuettes representing gods. However, similar bronze statues were already known in Scandinavia in the Bronze Age and were most likely of a ritual significance. The specific crossed hands on the chest is a puzzling symbol, possibly symbolising a gesture of a specific god, ritual act or blessing. Some facial similarities can be seen on the Broddenbjerg man, a wooden statue with a strong phallic symbolism, most likely pointing to fertility. Another similarity can be observed on rock art in Scandinavia, especially the long neck features and the image of a 'divine couple', a strong motif found extensively in the late Iron Age on many golden sheets, known as guldgubbers. Several scholars argue that this image represents the marriage of god Freyr and giantess Gerd; however it may also represent a union of Freyr with his sister Freya. From later sources, it is known that the Vanir, an ancient race of gods, had a custom to marry or have intercourse with their siblings. Njord, the father of Freyr and Freya was from this tribe, and sources suggest that they were conceived with his sister-wife. She might have been the mysterious Suebi goddess Nerthus, which Roman historian Tacitus wrote about in Germania. Her statue was kept in a sacred grove on an unknown island, drawn in a holy cart and only priests could touch her. Everywhere the goddess came she was met with celebration of peace and hospitality. After she returned to the temple, everything was washed by slaves, who were drowned short after. Her connection with fertility, peace, and water, definitely points to the Vanir race; and she shares several similarities with the later worshipping of Frey. This mount probably represents either Njord and Nerthus, or Freyr and Freya, and may had been used as a votive offering or worn as an amulet to invoke the fertile powers of those gods. [No Reserve. A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] Fine condition.
Lot 442
3rd-5th century AD. A bronze mount of a standing male and a female, each with one hand extending across the body touching each other's genitals. For the gesture and design see Oldtidens Ansigt, Det kongelige Nordiske Oldskiftselska og Jysk Arkaeologist Selskab, 1990, p.134, 138. 2.01 grams, 26mm (1"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. A parallel to the style and pose of this 'couple' can be seen on several small bronzes inspired by Roman statuettes representing gods. However, similar bronze statues were already known in Scandinavia since the Bronze Age and were most likely of a ritual significance. The specific crossed hand on a chest is a puzzling symbol, possibly symbolising a gesture of a specific god, ritual act or blessing. Another similarity can be observed on rock art in Scandinavia, especially the image of a 'divine couple', a strong motif known from the late Iron Age depicted on many golden sheets called guldgubbers. Several scholars argue that this image represents the marriage of god Frey and giantess Gerd; however, it may also represent a union of Frey with his sister Freya. From later sources, it is known that the Vanir, an ancient race of gods, had a custom to marry or have intercourse with their siblings. Njord, the father of Frey and Freya, was from this tribe, and sources suggest that they were conceived with his sister-wife. She might have been the mysterious Suebi goddess Nerthus, which Roman historian Tacitus wrote about in Germania. Her statue was kept in a sacred grove on an unknown island, drawn in a holy cart and only priests could touch her. Everywhere the goddess came she was met with celebration of peace and hospitality. After she returned to the temple, everything was washed by slaves, who were drowned short after. Her connection with fertility, peace, and water, definitely points to the Vanir race; and she shares several similarities with the later worshipping of Frey. This mount probably represents either Njord and Nerthus, or Frey and Freya, and may had been used as a votive offering or worn as an amulet to invoke the fertile powers of those gods. [No Reserve. A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] Fine condition. Extremely rare.
Lot 443
5th-7th century AD. A bronze patrix die with a low relief figure of a standing wolf with large almond-shaped eyes, slightly opened mouth with a coiled tongue, slender body and curved tail. 50 grams, 85mm (3 1/4"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Very fine condition.
Lot 475
13th century AD. A bronze brooch with heater-shaped plaque and looped wire pin; the loop formed as two high-relief crowned felines each with both forepaws extended towards the rear attachment bar, rear legs conjoined at the forward edge of the loop; each feline with four-pointed crown and pelleted mane extending to the shoulder; the pin attached through a hole to the shoulder above a pair of similar holes abandoned due to usage wear. Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme with reference number ESS-849592; accompanied by a print out of the PAS report. 11 grams, 30mm (1 1/4"). Found Long Melford, Suffolk, UK; in 2005. Extremely fine condition.
Lot 476
12th-15th century AD. A bronze horse harness pendant with ribbed border and riveted suspension loop; to the flat disc an engraved profile portrait of a knight in mail with tunic over the top with floral decoration. Cf. Korshun, V.E. Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rusi X-XIV Vekov, volume I, Moscow, 2012, items D.1.02-06. 9 grams, 54mm (2 1/4"). Property of an American collector; acquired 1980-2000. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Lot 477
14th century AD. An elaborate enamelled bronze swivelling horse-harness banneret with rectangular bifacial plaque and lateral tube; the heraldic design with monkey surrounded by foliage with red fruit. Cf. Ashley, S. Medieval Armorial Horse Furniture in Norfolk, East Anglian Archaeology 101, Dereham, 2002, item 238 for type, 243 for heraldry. Hammond, B. Benet's Medieval Artefacts of England & The United Kingdom, Witham, 2015, p.193, item HP-26758. Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme with reference number NMS-9F6934; accompanied by a print out of the PAS report. 33 grams, 44mm (1 3/4"). Found Norwich, Norfolk, UK, in 1976. Bannerets are rectangular (or occasionally heater-shaped) plaques with the design repeated on both faces but reflected i.e. a lion rampant will face the leading edge on both sides of the plaque. They were used by noblemen entitled to bear heraldic arms on their own equipment, and by their liveried retainers. Pendants and bannerets bearing the royal arms were probably used by royal officials such as sheriffs, bailiffs and stewards, and by their attendants. Bannerets usually display an enamelled heraldic motif and the tube on the leading edge demonstrates that they were meant to be seen vertically (rather than hanging or swinging in the manner of harness pendants"). They were attached to the horse's bridle or harness by means of a bronze rod or spigot; one example from Norfolk (Ashley, 2002, no.242) retains this element. A 13th century bronze aquamanile in Florence (Ashley, 2002, plate V) depicts an English nobleman on horseback with heater-shaped harness pendants on the horse's chest and a short plume above the horse's arched neck; it is probable that the banneret was similarly mounted in this position where it could be clearly seen but would not impede the use of the reins. Bannerets probably fell into disuse with the introduction of the full heraldic caparison for the horse and the statutary limitations on the use of liveries by retainers in the 15th century AD. [No Reserve] Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 516
17th-18th century AD. A bronze chessman seal matrix with flat rectangular shank widened to the top and bottom, a circular suspension loop, to the circular face an intaglio design of a running deer above a branch enclosed by a Hebrew inscription for Moshe Bar Tzvi, with unusual spelling for Bar. 9 grams, 25mm (1"). Property of a Middlesex gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. Very fine condition. Rare.
Lot 544
1st millennium BC. A limestone cylinder seal, pierced and with bronze rod through the centre; engraved with worshipper standing before the goddess Ishtar; behind another worshipper standing before the Tree of Life; cuneiform inscription between both scenes. 19 grams, 39mm (1 1/2"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired from a major Mayfair gallery; acquired on the London art market before 2000. Fine condition.
Lot 574
7th-6th century BC. A glass cylinder seal with bronze wire insert, standing robed figure with hands extended towards a rearing beast, winged gryphon in front. Cf. Collon, D. First Impressions. Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East, London, 2005, p.81. 9.21 grams, 37mm (1 1/2"). From a North London collection; formerly in the Rihani family collection, formed 1970-1980s. Dr Bonewitz notes: 'This seal is made from very early glass, and as such is much less common than those made from other materials'. Fine condition. Unusual.
Lot 620
2nd-1st millennium BC. A long bronze fitting in the form of a horn with ibex head to one end, large curving horns and short beard; body decorated with a series of geometric pattern in panels, two panels with rearing snakes with human arms and a top panel with a frieze of ibex; geometric collar to the rim. 236 grams, 23.5cm (9 1/4"). Private collection, London, UK; formerly with Persepolis Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK; in the 1980s. Fine condition, some restoration. Rare.
Lot 623
8th-7th century BC. A large bronze belt decorated with groups of three creatures such as human-headed birds, leaping gazelle, bulls and lions each divided by three groups of raised dots; border to the top and bottom, pierced along the top and bottom for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 72 grams, 83cm (32 1/2"). Property of a German gentleman; acquired 1980-1990. In most religions there is a belief in various kinds of supernatural beings ranking between the level of gods and men. In ancient Mesopotamia supernatural creatures were called Rabisu in Akkadian and Mashkim in Sumerian, and can refer to a good or demon-like creature which usually takes on the form of a hybrid animal. Demons and other monsters who were perceived as being evil were generally regarded as causing diseases and were a threat to children and mothers. Those that were perceived as being good had the opposite power of protecting mankind from the hostile forces of the supernatural word. because of the ever present threat of malign powers everyday objects, such as this belt, would have been decorated with images of good demons to protect the wearer. Fair condition. Rare.
Lot 626
1250-650 BC. A bronze axehead with convex edge, triangular in plan with square butt, circular socket; lug to the upper face of the blade; incised interlaced bands and scrolls to the sides, rear and upper face. 297 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). Property of a London collector; acquired in the 1970s. Very fine condition.
Lot 692
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A gilt bronze figure of a reclining cat, head held up and tilted to one side; legs extended forward and tail arched around back leg; star-shaped pattern to the fur on body; hollow to the underside. 166 grams, 80mm (3"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. [A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] Very fine condition.
Lot 696
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A large gilt bronze figure of a seated bird, possibly a phoenix, with crest to top of the head, long tapering neck, squat body and wings together and arching upwards over the back to the head; fine detailing of the feathers to the wings and body. 609 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. In China the phoenix is known as Fenghuang, and is an immortal bird whose rare appearance is said to be an omen foretelling harmony at the ascent to the throne of a new emperor. Like the qilin (a unicorn-like creature), the fenghuang is often considered to signify both male and female elements, a yin-yang harmony. It is mentioned as early as the Shang dynasty in oracle-bone inscriptions, but it is during the Zhou dynasty it acquired its association with political prosperity and harmony. When paired with a dragon it symbolizes marital harmony. During the Han dynasty the phoenix came to be associated with the Imperial house and especially symbolizing the Empress, with the Emperor being represented by the dragon. The imagery of the phoenix and dragon continued in popularity throughout Chinese history and entered into mainstream culture, especially for weddings, where it remains an important and popular image. [A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] Very fine condition.
Lot 697
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A gilt bronze figure of a standing phoenix, crest to the back of the head, wings folded against side of body and fan-shaped tail with seven lobes to the top; fine detailing to the feathers on wings and body. 77 grams, 62mm (2 1/2"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. [A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] Very fine condition.
Lot 707
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-224 AD. A pair of matched gilt bronze scroll weights in the form of a lion with body curled tightly, head raised over paws, and resting in a stylised mountain border. 580 grams total, 59mm (2 1/4"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. Very fine condition.
Lot 711
Warring States, 475-221 BC. A gilt bronze belt hook in the shape of a cicada, eyes and edge of back inlaid with turquoise beads; head, back and wings decorated with silver and gold scrolling patter; abdomen with silver and gold segments; to the front of the head an arching hook ending in a horse head with inlaid eyes; raised boss to the underside. 131 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. Since ancient times, the cicada has been seen as a symbol of resurrection, an association that owes to its fascinating life cycle. Newly hatched insects drop from branches to burrow into the ground, where they nourish themselves on tree roots for as long as seventeen years before emerging into the sunlight. Then, they climb high into the trees, and their outer skin splits open to allow the full-grown insects to appear.This process was seen as an analogy for the spirits of the dead rising on a path to eternal existence in a transcendent realm. In the Han dynasty, jade amulets shaped like cicadas were placed on the tongues of corpses, no doubt to symbolize a hope for rebirth and immortality. In general Chinese lore, cicadas are creatures of high status. They are considered pure because they subsist on dew and lofty because of their perch in high treetops. An ancient analogy in China suggests that a high-ranking official should resemble a cicada: residing high, eating a pure diet, and with sharp eyes.Also in antiquity, the headgear of rulers and nobles incorporated a golden image of a cicada with prominent eyes. The emblem signaled refinement, modesty, and a full awareness of one’s surroundings. Fine condition.
Lot 713
Warring States, 475-221 BC. A bronze vessel with cylindrical body with two separate horizontal bands decorated with low relief gilt frieze of wheeled covered vehicles and retainers on horseback; tao-t'ieh masks with lose rings; supported on three legs in the shape of bears with carnelian turquoise inlays; to the lid a stylised mountain with ring with series of deer and birds below; frieze with mounted archers hunting deer; to the frieze three rats on hind legs. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. 2.1 kg, 22cm (8 1/2"). Property of a London collector; by inheritance from his grandfather; acquired during travels in the Far East in the 1920s. The zun is a type of ancient Chinese bronze or ceramic wine vessel with a round or square vase-like form, and sometimes in the shape of an animal. Used in religious ceremonies to hold wine, the zun has a wide lip to facilitate pouring. [A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] Fine condition. Professionally cleaned and preserved by Colin Bowles Ltd.,with photographic records a copy of the original invoice for the work done.
Lot 714
Warring States period, 475-221 BC. A large bronze ceremonial vessel with three round-section legs, squat body, two lateral square loops, domed lid with three lions(?); geometric, foliage and lion-head decorations to the exterior surfaces. 5.8 kg, 26.5cm (10 1/4"). From the Cheuk family collection; acquired before 1990. Fair condition.
Lot 716
Warring States Period, 475-221 BC. A bronze ritual vessel in the shape of an elongated tureen with snarling dragon heads at either end and with elongated foot pedestal, body and foot decorated with inlaid silver scrolling geometric cloud motif; separate lid with ring handle, surface decorated with inlaid silver scrolling geometric cloud motif and Chinese characters. 2.30 kg, 43cm (17"). From an important London collection, acquired in the 1990s. Fine condition.
Lot 717
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A bronze wine vessel with flared base, squat body, three applied ram heads, discoid lid with a ring to the centre; silver(?) inlay decoration to the body including scroll motifs and inscription around the neck. 2.2 kg, 24.5cm (9 1/2"). From the Cheuk family collection; acquired before 1990. Fair condition.
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350105 item(s)/page