Chinese Glass Amuletic Plaque

Piriform bodied with two opposed Tao Tie, each holding a free-running ring in its mouth, further decorated with a shallow incised dragon to one face and a figure holding a cup on the other, together with an inscription in Chinese; tripod feet formed as squatting animals; restoration to the rings and feet. 3.8 kg, 35.5 cm high



with Galerie Golconda May 2006. Ex private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence report no.11270306 from Laboratory Ralf Kotalla dated 5 May 2006.

Dragons in ancient Chinese art could be religious symbols, representatives of clans and creatures linking man to the spirit world. The Tao Tie often evoked mystery and beauty.

Modelled in the round advancing on a polygonal base, head tossed backwards and mouth open exposing the animal's teeth and tongue, saddled with a camel bag decorated with beast heads, rider staring into the distance whilst playing a set of pipes held in his right hand, the left held lower with hand making a fist to grip reins; remains of polychrome pigmentation. 6.2 kg, 53 cm



Acquired 1990s. West Country, UK, collection. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.CJ22522022 from Laboratory Kotalla. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11369-192727.

Camels symbolised the prosperity of the Silk Route- the trade routes between China, Europe, and the Middle East- as they were the main form of transportation in the caravans. A popular theme for Tang court painters and sculptors was that of foreign ambassadors submitting tribute to the emperor. Diplomatic missions and the concomitant opulent offerings were an important medium of international exchange. In the dynasty’s first decades, the Tang expanded control north and east to Goguryeo and Baekje in Manchuria and the Korean peninsula, north to the steppes of Mongolia, west to the deserts and oases of Central Asia, and south to parts of the present-day provinces of Guangxi, Yunnan, and northern Vietnam. These and other kingdoms sent staples and exotica: lions from Persia and rhinoceroses from the kingdom of Champa in south and central Vietnam, hawks from the Korean peninsula, ostriches sent by Western Turks, sandalwood from the Indonesian archipelago, cardamom from the coast of the Malay peninsula, indigo from Samarkand, and wool from Tibet. Even entertainers such as musicians, dancers, and performers, as depicted on this piece, were presented as gifts. As is evident in tomb paintings and figurines, international trade whetted a taste for striking and sumptuous fashions among the Tang elite. Leopard-skin hats and close-fitting sleeves, imitating the clothing of Central Asians and Persians to the west, were popular in the mid-8th century. High boots, practical for riding, were worn by both men and women, as were short tunics.

In Han style with rolled rim to the mouth, bulbous shoulder and broad base; fine detailing in original pigments including a band of meander pattern to the shoulder and stylised lion(?) and dragon to the body, lotus petals to the base. 7.4 kg, 44.5 cm

Fair condition. Very rare.

Ex West Country collection, Bath, Somerset, UK, 1970-2000s.