Chinese Bronze Guardian Figures

Comprising a broad square base with pelleted rim and foliage in low relief supporting a cuboid block; to three faces, a shallow recess with cadavers and squatting figure with three heads, to fourth face an integral gourd with socketted rim above and central void; to the forward edge of the base a cadaver flanked by two crouching figures with hands raised to their mouths, modelled in the round; to the upper face, four partial cadavers radiating from the centre in low relief, with a sitting figure to each corner with hands raised to the face, wearing a zoomorphic headdress; some traces of gilding. 5.14 kg, 18.5 cm wide



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

With thick basal ring, stepped rim, band of tendrils enclosing a floral motif. 823 grams, 23.5 cm



Ex Butterfield and Butterfield auction with official Hoi An Hoard labels. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Hoi An shipwreck.

In the mid 15th century a freighting junk loaded with fine Vietnamese pottery sank in an area of the South China Sea called the 'Dragon’s Embrace.' This vessel is part of the shipwreck cargo recovered off the coast of Vietnam at Hoi An. The ceramics themselves were probably made in the area of Chu Dau.

On a square-section base, modelled in the half-round figure seated on a throne with rosette and other ornament, wearing an ankle-length robe and a tall headdress; triangular panel to the rear with square socket to the reverse. 16.3 kg, 40 cm



Ex Hong Kong collection, 1970s.