Chinese Glazed Blue and White Provincial Vase

Modelled in the round standing on a rectangular base, the animal's head bowed down and turned slightly left, shown with a long and immaculately-kept mane, short dressed tail, saddle cloth decorated with an 'animal skin' pattern and a harness adorned with pendants; the male rider seated in the saddle wearing a knee-length robe and riding boots, his arms positioned to hold reins (absent), a domestic dog perched on a covering behind him; semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing to both figures, the rider shown with a full beard and moustache, wearing a cap. 3.9 kg, 42 cm high



Acquired 1980s-1990s. Ex West Country collection. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no. C122f84 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11702-199228.

Of Eastern Zhou style helmet from a statue(?), domed with raised panels to the brim and vertical crest, hollow-formed spike above; the face-opening with shallow peak to the upper edge. 3.07 kg, 36 cm high



Acquired in the 1990s. From a UK collection.

The earliest bronze helmets in China date back to the Shang Dynasty, covered the neck and ears, and were often decorated with taotie masks and animal faces to make the warrior appear fearsome. Chou (Zhou) bronze helmets were similar to the Shang types but less elaborately decorated, and it is thought that the hood-shaped styles of the later Han Dynasty were metal copies of older leather versions.

Including a coiled serpent, a mythical creature and a cow, all with stylised anatomical detailing. 600 grams total, 8-14.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.