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Lot 12
Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) This small gilt bronze leopard has a fierce appearance with prominent eyes, and finely delineated eyebrows and ears. There is a band of fine lines along each side of the head with punctate decoration either side of the nostrils. The sides of the head are decorated with circular dotted areas. There are leaf shaped dotted areas over the whole body and legs. The massive front claws are in a line typical of Han dynasty bronze felines, and fine linear decorations above the claws. The hollow underside has a blackened patina. Dimensions: Length 7.5cms, height 4cms, weight 115 grams
Lot 13
Ming to early Qing Dynasty 17th century This bronze lion has a powerful head with a wide open mouth revealing teeth and tongue. The penetrating eyes are surmounted by finely lined curled furry mane which also surrounds the sides of the head, jaws and under the chin. Each side of the face is decorated with dotted circular motifs. The top of the head has a diagonal shaped pattern over the gilding, and there are two large curled areas on either side of the back of the head. There are swathes of fur on either side of the knobbed central spine which terminates in a trifoil tail. The legs show powerful talons decorated with fine lines. There is extensive corrosion on the sides of the base and within the hollow body. Lions were not indigenous animals to China, but were sent as gifts as early as 87Ad via the Silk Road; they later became known as `protectors of buddhism’ and were associated with royalty (1) . bronzes such as this one were used either as paperweights on the scholar’s desk, or used as finials on the lids of larger containers. A comparable gilt bronze Ming seated lion was included in the 1986 exhibition Arts from the Scholar’s Studio (2) Dimensions: Height 7cms, width 8cms, weight 360 grams References 1. bjaaland Welch, p, Chinese Art: A Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery, Tuttle publishing, Hong Kong. 2008, p.135 2. Moss, H and Tsang, G, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Oriental Ceramic Society, Hong Kong, 1986, no.51, p.90 3. For comparison see bonhams Fine Chinese Art auction 12.11.15 Lot 58. 4. ben Janssens Art of the Chinese Craftsman Nov 2014 p22.
Lot 14
Warring States period (475 – 221 BC) A small button shaped bronze belt hook. The inlay includes bronze, gold, silver, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. belt hooks of this kind are usually long while this example is round like a button and the hook, typically zoomorphic, is very short. The dragon’s head is finely inlaid with turquoise eyes, a heart shaped design on top of the head, and small oval ears. There are two chilong either side, with turquoise eyes and long ribbed lapis lazuli bodies. The sharp claws are inlaid with gold and silver. There is a central lapis stone which forms part of a taotie mask incorporating a gold moustache. The turquoise and lapis lazuli stones have an aged appearance. The underside shows a blue green patination. Dimensions: Length 6.7cm, weight 95 grams
Lot 15
Eastern Zhou - Warring States period A large tiger bronze belt hook inlaid with gold and silver. It has four clawed feet, an open mouth, prominent teeth, and a tail evolving into a dragon’s head. This has alternating gold and silver inlays on its top and sides. The head, body, legs and feet are all inlaid with gold and silver scroll work in a zoomorphic pattern which is flush with the bronze. The beast has a collar which consists of gold inlaid strips above which is another row of diamond shaped motifs. There is a turquoise eye. The back of the figure shows green corrosion, the hook button is missing, and there are two small corrosion holes below the collar. Dimensions: Length 22cms, height 11cms, weight 185 grams comparisons See Bonham’s auction March 16th 2015 Warring States inlaid tiger belt buckle which is similar in shape. However that one had 2 legs while this one has four. The Bonham’s catalogue is the source of the published examples given below. Published 1. Giuseppe Eskenazi, Animals and Animal Designs in Chinese Art, New York, March 1998: catalogue no. 5. Fold-out cover of catalogue 2. Maurizio Scarpani, Ancient China, vercelli, Italy, 2006, p 141 3. Giuseppe Eskenazi, A Dealer’s Hand, London, 2012, pp 194-1195 4. A belt hook of distinctly similar design and execution, formed as a rhinoceros, and inlaid with gold and silver, was excavated in Sichuan in 1954 and is now held by the National Museum of China, Beijing. The museum’s description attributes this type of large, elaborately inlaid, animal-form belt hook to the ancient Ba state, located in what is now eastern Sichuan. 5. In ‘Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia and Oceania,’ Barbara West describes the tiger cult of the Ba people, in which deceased kings were believed to transform into tigers. The National Museum of China also notes that ba is described in the literature of the Chu state as being a region with a highly developed artistic culture. 6. During this period, bronze vessels and ornaments, like this piece, stood as dazzling and luxurious symbols of the individual power of warlords the elite consumed metalwork designed for festivities, diplomatic gifts, dowries and personal adornment. The highest quality adornments such as this belt hook would have been produced for the most exalted classes of Warring States period elite. 7. There also exists a group of silver-inlaid cast bronze animal-form fittings, of similar silhouette, which served as corner supports for furniture and which display decorative schemes that have much in common with the patterns evident on the present belt hook. This may suggest a common date or geographic origin. The beast’s neck is inlaid with a geometric border, perhaps representing a cowrie shell collar. See a related pair of corner supports, formerly in the collections of Stephen Junkunc iv and Alice Boney, sold at Christie’s New york, June 4 1992, lot 194. A further example is now in the Miho Museum and was exhibited in the museum’s 1999 exhibition, ‘Animals in Ancient China.’
Lot 16
Jin Dynasty (1115 – 1234 AD) This mirror is heavily cast in high relief with two carp swimming on top of a swell of waves. The large twisting bodies in an almost square configuration, fill the entire space surrounding the knob. There is a very naturalistic appearance to the twisting movement. The body surface are cast to resemble fish scales. The fish have prominent heads and large powerful fins along the ridge of the bodies and at the end of the tails. The waves of the sea are well depicted especially where they churn around the large central boss. There is heavy green patina, and on the front the silver is well preserved. The double carp design was one of the auspicious symbols in use from the Han dynasty onwards. Among these, the carp, thought to transform itself into a dragon, carried a particular congratulatory meaning. Dimensions: diameter: 19cms, Rim 0.5cms, weight 1070 grams References 1. See the similar mirror illustrated in the book Circles of Reflection by Ju-his Chou p89, no 86. Twin fish motif typical during the Jin dynasty, probably based on the same design on the Song dynasty mirrors. 2. Compare related mirror of same size illustrated in Ancient Bronze Mirrors from the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, 2005, p350 – 1, no 236. 3. Also see Circles of Reflection p89, no 86. 4. See Chinese Bronze Mirrors by o J Todd. 1935, p 212 plate X1X. 5. Robert Ellsworth Collection see Luminous Perfection sale Christies New york March 2012 Lot 1466. 6. Bronze mirrors from Ancient China donald H Graham. p43. 7. World in Mirror: Selected Bronze Mirrors from Lloyd Cotsen’s Donation p136 pl 59.
Lot 17
Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD) This is a very rare mother of pearl octafoil mirror. it has a flat undecorated rim, within which is the central section showing mother of pearl inlays of hunter with bow, animals, birds, trees, clouds, and flowers. The mother of pearl is set in lacquer on bronze. The front of this mirror is silver with heavy green corrosion. There is a similar mirror in the British Museum and the information note says that mother of pearl inlaid mirrors of this period are rare because they are fragile and most were destroyed. Dimensions: diameter 20cms, weight 660 grams £5000 - £8000 References World in Mirror: Selected Bronze Mirrors from Lloyd Cotsen’s Donation p110 - 112, plates 46, 47, 48.
Lot 20
Western Han Dynasty 2nd – 1st century BC A pair of large bronze fittings. The central head has a conical hat, with detailed eyes, nose, mouth and beard. on either side of the head is a lithe dragon with powerful limbs, below which is a taotie mask ending in a beak-like ring supporting the curved handle. This has a twisted shape, and is decorated with small circular motifs. This bronze has a fine green brown patina. The reverse shows heavy corrosion. This pair of bronze fittings are unusual because of their design and size. Dimensions: Length 34cms, width 17.5cms weight 2400 grams
Lot 21
Western Han dynasty 2nd – 1st century BC. A bronze plaque from the Dian culture in Yunnan province dating from late Warring States to early Western Han. It shows a wild boar attacking one of the hunters who is holding a small animal. Both hunters wear the typical tunics head coverings of the Dian period. The base of the plaque consists of a long snake. Dimensions: Length 18cms, height 10cms, weight 340 grams References 1. See identical example from yunnan provincial Museum: Hunting pig 2. http://hua.umf.maine.edu/china/bronzes/index.htm 3. Also see book The Chinese Bronzes of Yunnan p213 plate 247.
Lot 22
Western Han dynasty 2nd – 1st century BC. A Dian culture bronze plaque of dancing jugglers. Both energetic male dancers wear tight fitting costumes with long sleeves. They have long swords buckled to the waists with stretched out hands holding two plates. They dance vigorously with heads held high and knees flexed. They trample on a long snake which is biting one of the dancer’s legs. The kingdom of Dian in Yunnan province, which reached its height during the second and first centuries BC, was one of the richest ancient civilizations in southwestern China. The frank realism and exotic imagery of the bronzes from the Dian kingdom illustrate the foreign heritage of its people and the huge distances, both culturally and artistically, that separate them from the Han court. Dian bronzes were cast using the lost-wax technique, which allows intricate, highly sculptural designs. Dimensions: Length 15cms, height 10cms, weight 225 grams References 1. Similar bronze in the yunnan provincial museum. it is called dancing jugglers and is cast gilded bronze. See below quote and picture: 2. Also see Chinese Bronzes of Yunnan p214 plate described as Western Han.
Lot 23
Warring States period (475 – 221 BC) A belt hook with a top section in the form of a dragon attached lower down to a bearded mythical creature with long horns, a curled tail, and powerful limbs terminating in sharp talons. The dragon’s beautifully shaped head shows very detailed inlaid features. The whole bronze is finely inlaid with silver and gold, in scrolls and geometric designs typical of Warring States period. The underside has an inlaid button and a heavy dark green patina. Dimensions: Length 18cms, width 7cms, weight 265 grams
Lot 24
Warring States period (475 – 221 BC) This belt hook is identical in design with Lot 23. It has a top section in the form of a dragon attached lower down to a bearded mythical creature with long horns, a curled tail, and powerful limbs terminating in sharp talons. The whole bronze is finely inlaid with silver and gold, in scrolls and geometric designs which differ from the inlay on the other Warring States hook. The underside has a button with a gold and silver inlay design identical to that of Lot 8. It has heavy dark green corrosion. Dimensions: Length 17.5cms, width 6 cms, weight 285 grams
Lot 27
Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) This parcel gilt bronze scroll weight shows a tiger with its sharp claws forming the front edge of the bronze. The parcel gilt provides a dramatic depiction of the stripes of the tiger. The head is turned facing the tail. The most remarkable feature of this animal is its highly intelligent appearance with eyes that always seem to follow the viewer. Dimensions: Length 8cms, height 4cms, weight 450 grams
Lot 28
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) A gilt bronze in the form of a dragon head with jet inlaid eyes. It has a long snout, divided into three curved sections, a curled nose, elongated ears and distinctive eyes and lined eyebrows. There are long horns over the head extending beyond the ears. The fitting ends in a circular hollow ring decorated with an intricate geometric pattern. This bronze may possibly have fitted onto a chariot handle. Even though there is considerable corrosion, the remaining gilding is in excellent condition. The un- gilded base has a green, brown, red patina. Dimensions: Length 20cms, width 6.5cms, weight 820 grams Reference See Met Museum of Art online Asian bronze No 17.25.2.
Lot 30
Tang Dynasty (618 – 907AD) The circular mirror is cast in high relief, with a crouching lion knob encircled with grape vines and six further lions in different postures amidst grapes and vine scrolls. The outer field is decorated with pairs of four different animals including pheasants, cranes, deer and lions amidst similar vine scrolls, within a band of floral designs encircling the rim. The bronze has a silvery patina. One of a pair This is the remaining mirror from a pair of identical mirrors, both of which come from the Max Lowenson collection. The other one of this pair was sold at Christies Hong Kong sale on 28.11.12 (6). This is the remaining mirror from the Max Lowenson pair. Dimensions: diameter 16.5cms, rim thickness 1.7cm weight 1230 grams References 1. See mirror with similar central and rim design in the Palace Museum, beijing, illustrated in The Palace Museum’s Collections of Bronze Mirrors, Beijing, 2008, pl.33. 2. Compare also to three examples with similar decorative theme but with more lions and mythical beasts in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Shanghai Bowuguan cang qingtong jing, Shanghai, 1987, pls.83-85. 3. See similar example Christies New York sale March 2013 4. Lot 1142. Raymond A Bidwell (1876-1954) Collection. The Springfield Museums, Springfield, MA, accessioned in 1962. 5. Also Christies sale 2689 lot 1142. 6. Christies Hong Kong 28.11.12 sale 2963. Lot 2232
Lot 31
Sukhothai period 15th century Thailand A finely modelled Sukhothai bronze Buddha head with a serene facial expression. This head depicts an image produced in one of the major centres of bronze casting in the Kingdom of Lan Na (13th – 16th century) and was made by the lost wax method. The downcast eyes are set below eyebrows that run into the nose bridge. The smiling lips, elongated earlobes, prominent chin and hair in loose snail shell curls are all characteristic of the period. The patination of the bronze shows rich colours of maroon, green, black and traces of gold gilding. Although this is only a fragment, it has great beauty and spirituality. Dimensions: Height 25cms, width 20cms, weight 4010 grams References 1. Compare with Lot 418 Christies sale 19th March 2013. 2. See Head of Buddha Thailand Museum no.IM80-1927 3. Compare with very similar head on display in British Museum
Lot 34
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) A rare inlaid gilt bronze water buffalo scroll weight. The animal is lying on a frieze of undulating waves and rests on an almost circular base. The alert expressive head is inlaid with jet and agate, and the nostrils, mouth, horns and ears are depicted in fine detail. There is an extensive inlay of turquoise crescents and agate, along either side of the ridge of the back, and around the base below the waves. The ridge along the back ends in a curled tail. The legs are folded under the body but details of the hooves are evident. The underside shows the lead which forms its weight. it is unusual to find a Han bronze with all of its original inlay and gilt. This is a beautiful depiction of a water buffalo. Dimensions: Length 6.5cms, height 3cms, weight 235 grams
Lot 35
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) Han Dynasty gilt box in the shape of a bird. The head has a powerful beak and detailed eyes with prominent curved delineated eyebrows. There is a fine linear pattern over the curved sections on either side of the head, with a horn over the back of the head terminating in a feathered motif. The sides of the bird show a delicate curved pattern leading to lined side and long tail feathers. The finely decorated gilt surface is continued on the underside, which shows folded legs with long talons, and a different pattern of tail feathers. The interior is covered in heavy green patina. This box demonstrates the outstanding quality of workmanship achieved during this period. Dimensions: Length 11cms, height 8cms, width 5cms, weight 325 grams test report This bronze was tested by Peter Northover and his conclusion is: `The intimate mixing of cuprite and earthy materials in the corrosion products on this bird box is strong evidence in support of its antiquity and authenticity.’ The full report is available.
Lot 36
Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) It is rare to find a Han bronze animal of such large size. Moreover, it is unusual to see such a naturalistic pose giving the impression of stealthy movement. It shows great strength and power. It has a fierce expression on the face with an open mouth revealing teeth and tongue. There are curved bands with incised lines either side of head, prominent eyes, detailed nostrils and small round ears. The gilding is partially covered by encrustations on a maroon black patination. The body shows powerful musculature with detailed curved markings above the large claws. The left hind leg is slightly raised giving the impression of motion. The long curved triangular shaped tail terminates in a curled end. The base shows a hollow body with much heavy black encrustation. it is interesting to compare this Han feline with the inlaid Warring States feline. Test results Dr Peter Northover has tested the bronze and spectroscopic examination results support the Han dating. He concludes that: `The composition of this feline is fully consistent with a Han Dynasty origin.’ The full report is available. Dimensions: Length 25cms, width 6.5cm, weight 835 grams References 1. Powerful figures of strident felines are also found among the monumental stone sculptures of Han Dynasty spirit roads, three of which are illustrated in paludan, The Chinese Spirit Road, 1991 pls.36-8, one in the Guanlinmiao Museum, Luoyang, two in the Shaanxi provincial Museum, Xi’an. 2. See Chinese Art: Bronze, Jade Sculpture, Ceramics Daisy Lion-Goldsmith and 3. Jean Claude Moreau Gobard,. pl.43
Lot 38
Western Han period 2nd – 1st century BC. This gilt bronze phoenix is cast with finely engraved linear detailing. The head shows a powerful beak with open mouth. Eyes inlaid with jet and with fine lines along the curling eyebrows, either side of the head and the delicate pointed ears. There are feather-tufts sweeping back on each side behind the eyes. Arising from the head is a curved feather plume inlaid with agate, and topped with a smaller curved plume. The prominent body would have had a central stone on its chest (now missing). There is a pointed delineated triangular tuft of feathers in front extending down from the rounded chest. The two large wings with different feather patterns, sweep backwards. between these, arises the large tail cast as four plumes of diminishing size, arranged symmetrically each terminating in a curled end with a gilt boss. The tail rises between six shorter tail feathers curled down in matching groups of three on each side. The back shows a square shaped hollow section which suggests that this bronze may have been a decorative fitting. The powerful legs have large talons and the phoenix stands on a base which has swirled engraving and is inlaid with agate and turquoise stones. Much of the original gilding remains but there is heavy green patination and corrosion in places and on the underside of the base. Han gilt bronze depictions of phoenix are very rare, especially in free standing form. This elegant bronze is a magnificent depiction of everything the phoenix represents in Chinese art. Dimensions: Height 21.5cms, width 9cms, weight 795 grams. References: 1. See illustration in Kandai no Bijutsee col.pl.60. 2. Also, see Exhibition of Art of the Han 1979 Chinese Institute in America. New York catalogue no.49. 3. Comparison see Eternal China: Splendors from the First Dynasties. Dayton, 1998, p66-67, no.5 phoenix Qin dynasty (221 – 206bC). 4. Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture: The Avery Bundage Collection, Asian Art Museum of San Franscisco, Tokyo, 1974, pp.60-61, no.16 where author cites another example from a Han dynasty tomb in ding county, Herbei province, published in Wenwu, 1964, No.12,pl.1-3. 5. See gilt bronze phoenix finial in exhibition catalogue Setagaya Museum of Art exhibition catalogue, Shin no Shik tei to sono jidaiten (Exhibition of the Archaeological Relics of the Emperor Qin Shihuang), Tokyo, 1994, no.115. 6. Ancient Chinese Bronzes by J.J.Lally and Co. 2011. pl.20
Lot 1024
*Third Reich. A collection of items, including Iron Cross, 1st Class with screw back plate, 45mm x 45mm, War Merit Cross, Mother's Cross, bronze, Anti-Flak badge, Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery badge, General Assault badge, National Socialist's State Veteran's League, Army officer's cat badge, U-Boat badge, Close Combat Clasp, Wound Badge and other items (21)
Lot 1088
*WWI. A Great War casualty group to Private L. Halloran, Royal Army Medical Corps British War and Victory Medals (2518 Pte. L. Halloran. R.A.M.C.), edge bruise to first otherwise extremely fine with Bronze Memorial Plaque 'Lawrence Holloran' plus a contemporary photograph of the Roll of Honour for the 2/1 North Midland Ambulance T.F. 2518 Private Laurence Halloran, served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, died 21 March 1918, Halloran is commemorated in the H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, France. (3)
Lot 1092
*WWI. A Great War oak memorial frame, the bronzed plaster insert depicting soldiers surmounted by an angel, flanked by aircraft with the title 'The Path of Duty Was the Way to Glory', encompassing a bronze memorial plaque to 'Harry Abbis' and dedication to him, 73 x 45cm 150336 Private Harry Abbis was born in Harlington, Bedfordshire in 1892, he enlisted in the Bedfordshire Yeomanry on 1 November 1914 and later Lincoln & East Riding Yeomanry serving in Ireland and Egypt, he served on the Western Front with the 102nd Machine Gun Corps and was present at the taking of Valenciennes and Farmiers, he was killed in action on 26 October 1918, Abbis is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. (1)
Lot 621
*Maritime collectables. A large bronze nail engraved 'H.M.S. Nile 1839', with square section end and war department arrows, 19cm long, together with a miniature oar, nickel plate, engraved 'Bismark', the paddle engraved 'H.M.S. Dorsetshire R.M. Whaler China 1939', 21.5cm long, miniature anchor from the S.S. Orcades Mediterranean Cruise 1953, 10cm long plus a miniature souvenir P&O Line life ring from the Arcadia London 1969, 13.5cm diameter HMS Nile was built in Plymouth, launched in 1839, served in the Baltic Sea and North America, and decommissioned 1864. (4)
Lot 923
*Commemorative Ware. A memorial wall plaque within a wooden frame, bronze and wood, titled 'In loving memory of our dear son and our loving brother Pte. Samuel Fletcher, MGC, who was killed in action in France on Sep. 20, 1917, aged 19 years', 54.5 x 44.5 cm, together with his death plaque, framed and glazed, plus 2 unrelated framed First World War commemorative items Private Samuel Fletcher was the son of Samuel and Jane Fletcher of Frodsham, Cheshire. He is buried in Oxford Road Cemetery, Ypres. (4)
Lot 977
*WWII Japanese Wakizashi. A WWII Japanese short sword, the 69cm curved steel blade signed on the tang with armourers marks and painted marks, with copper habaki, pierced bronze tsuba, bronze fuchi, fishskin grip bound in cord with menuki, 96cm overall, its black lacquered saya with leather covered wrap bearing presentation plaque stamped 'Presented to Captain F.D. Gove by H.Q.B.M.A. Malaya 1945' (1)
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