Chinese Bronze Warring States Style Dagger

Formed as a standing bull with exaggerated neckhump, four stub legs and long curving horns, U-shaped muzzle forming the spout. 1.37 kg, 36.5 cm wide



Private collection of Dr Alvin M. Soffe (c.1922–1995) and Elizabeth Ann Soffe, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, acquired circa 1960s–1970s; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of a letter no.S00256670 from the Art Loss Register confirming that this item was not found on their database.

The wooden cross set behind glass panels set within a large gold mount, the cross carved to one side with Saint Joseph holding the Christ child, beneath the Dove of the Holy Spirit, flanked by angels and above the praying Virgin; the other side with the crucified Christ, flanked on three sides by angels and above a Nun Saint. 50.7 grams, 81 mm



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13345-257977.

The tradition of carving tiny devotional wooden reliefs for pendants began in the 16th century and continued throughout the 17th and 18th centuries in Mexico. The carvings were often sent to Spain, where they were mounted in pendants of silver and gold. Relicarios, The Forgotten Jewels of Latin America, by Martha J. Egan: ‘When ivory became difficult to obtain in Europe during the Middle Ages, following the Ottoman conquest of North Africa, European sculptors of miniature works, notably in the Netherlands and northern Europe, found boxwood to be a serviceable substitute. While only items of limited size can be carved in this hard, fine-grained wood, it can be highly polished, its light color is attractive, its density renders it unlikely to split or chip, and when finished, the carved material can resemble ivory.'

Quatrefoil in plan with interstitial tags, central pelleted collar and dome; incised hatched rosette to each petal; copperplate monogram to reverse with 'FG'; with late 20th-century chain. 26 grams, 56.8 cm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.