Central Asian Silver-Gilt Zoomorphic Belt Plaque with Attack Scene

2ND-1ST CENTURY B.C.

2 5/8 in. (48 grams, 6.6 cm).

Comprising an openwork design displaying a feline attacking a horse within an ovolo border; the feline pouncing on the horse's back with its jaws sunk into its neck, bringing the horse to the ground; a tang to forward edge.

Provenance

Ex Soufi family collection, circa 1950.
with Christie's, London, 13 October 2008, lot 32.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11746-202177.

Literature

Cf. Altheim, F., Die Krise der Alten Welt, im 3. Jahrhundert n.Zw. und ihre Ursachen, Berlin-Dahlem, 1943, pls.51-53, for similar plaques; Rawson, J., Bunker, E., Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1990, pp.350-351, no.228.

Footnotes

The nomadic style was expressed in the openwork and embossed bronze plates that served as belt buckles and plaques. The 'Ordos bronzes' furthermore consisted mostly of decorative plaques which were sewn onto garments and horses' bridles, the favourite motif being animal combat.

CONDITION

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LOT 0188