Chinese Han Dynasty Bronze Belt Hook with Inscription

Comprising a shallow saucer and a bell-shaped cup, each with a painted fisherman scene, brown glaze to the outer face. 103 grams total, 6.6-10 cm



Ex Sotheby's, Amsterdam, 29-31 January 2007. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Ca Mau shipwreck. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The Ca Mau shipwreck refers to a cargo of Chinese porcelain sunk between 1723 and 1735 off the coast of Vietnam. The wreck was discovered by Vietnamese fishermen in 1998. It is believed the wreck was a merchant’s junk on its way from Canton (Guangzhou) to Batavia when it caught fire and sank. The ship was carrying goods destined for Dutch traders who had limited access to China and its ports.

Comprising three powder boxes, two with painted floral motifs, one with a landscape. 275 grams total, 59-68 mm



Ex Butterfield and Butterfield auction with official Hoi An Hoard labels. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Hoi An shipwreck. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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.

Seated in an attitude of tranquil ease, right arm resting on the raised right knee and left one supporting the weight of the upper body; characteristic elongated earlobes, downcast eyes and slightly pursed lips; wearing an elaborate tall crown and embroidered voluminous robes. 73.5 kg, 1.75 m



Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12561-231042. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Bodhisattva Guanyin is a divine being who attained enlightenment but chose to stay in the world to help others. The name Guanyin is an abbreviation of Guanshiyin, meaning: “Perceiver of the World’s Sounds”, and is thought to have responded to the calls of those in peril.