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LOT 2106
Chinese Han Ceramic Animal Figure Group
HAN DYNASTY, 206 B.C.-220 A.D. OR LATER
4 - 4 3/4 in. (850 grams total, 10-12 cm).
Including couchant cattle animals with stylised anatomical and coat detailing and a possible serpent. [4]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. similar ceramic figure group in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1st-3rd century AD, inventory no.1994.605.21.
FootnotesThis animal group is typical of mingqi or 'spirit utensils' that accompanied the deceased of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 A.D.). Miniatures of farm animals, utilitarian objects, and entertainers were believed to provide nourishment and amusement for the soul of the tomb occupant.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Chinese Table with Golden Brick by Yuan Hongde
18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Worn smooth on the upper face; the substantial rectangular 'brick' stamped to the side edges: '大一甲 袁洪德造 da yi jia, Yuan Hongde zao (size of the brick, made by Yuan Hongde) 督造官江南蘇州府知府魁元 (under the supervisor Kui Yuan of Jiangnang, Suzhou) 乾隆十八年成造细料二尺二寸見方金磚 (18th year of Qianlong (1754), square gold brick)'; accompanied by a low wooden table frame. 104.3 kg total, 72 x 72 x 37 cm
with the owner's family since the early 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11916-204597.
Also known as jinzhuan, Golden Bricks are produced from a finite iron-rich soil, crafted by a team of people over a period of 2-3 years, using a process involving 29 distinct procedures. The bricks produce a metallic sound when induced to do so and have an internal structure which is so fine that the pores of the clay can hardly be seen. Historically, golden bricks were reserved for the use of emperors and the construction of their palaces, first appearing during the reign of Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), produced in Suzhou under imperial order to be used for paving the floors of the imperial palaces, monasteries and mausoleums in Beijing; they are witnesses to history and embody the wisdom of the ancients. -
Chinese Crystal Carved Snuff Bottle
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Displaying a figural scene in relief, deep pick cabochon to lid. 74 grams, 87 mm high
Property of a lady, from her grandfather's collection, 1960s-1970s; thence by decent. -
Chinese Han Ceramic Tripod Vessel
Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.-220 A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £265
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.
