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LOT 0424
Chinese Han Gilded Bronze Sword Pommel with Jade
HAN DYNASTY, 206 B.C.-220 A.D.
3 in. (387 grams, 76 mm).
A gilt bronze sword pommel composed of a discoid body and cylindrical socket pierced twice for attachment (one piercing occluded); a circumferential zoomorphic frieze in raised relief to the exterior, displaying a procession of vegetal forms alternating with real and mythical creatures, each with stylised anatomical detailing: a monkey; a fenghuang; a leopard (or other feline); a tiger; set with a moonstone quality khotain jade roundel, carved in high-relief with two sinuous fantastical beasts, swirling clouds in the field; some restoration.
ProvenanceAcquired from Dandelion Fine Arts, Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, 1970s.
Ex Prof. David Anderson collection.
UK private collection, circa 2010.
Accompanied by a copy of metallurgic analytical results, written by Metallurgist Dr Peter Northover (ex Department of Materials, Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group & Department of Materials, University of Oxford).
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11706-198359
Cf. Hebei Provincial Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation, 'gilt bronze finial with jade inlaid', for a very similar object from the Western Han Dynasty, excavated from the tomb of a prince.
FootnotesKhotain jade was available between the years 69 B.C. and 101 A.D. as a result of a military treaty. It was sourced from the White Jade River.
This object is believed to be produced for a notable client, possibly even a royal one given the item's similarity to a finial excavated from the tomb of a Prince of Zhongshan. The object's original patina, prior to restoration, suggested that the vessel was part of a ritual which involved exposure to intense heat.
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LOT 0424
Chinese Han Gilded Bronze Sword Pommel with Jade
Estimate £20,000 - 30,000€23,200 - 34,800 (for guidance only)$27,000 - 40,500 (for guidance only)
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Chinese Wei Shakyamuni Buddha on Lion Throne
Northern Wei Dynasty, 386-534 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
A gilt-bronze figure (after the Gandharan style, or that of the neighbouring Uddiyana region), of Shakyamuni Buddha modelled with his hands clasped together in dhyana mudra and seated in the dhyanasana posture on a throne flanked by two roaring lions; robes with U-shaped folds in the Mathuran style and the head with a prominent ushnisha. 95 grams, 70 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired for the ‘Buckingham Collection’ by the late Nik Douglas (1944-2012), renowned author, curator and Asian art expert; the collection formed from the early 1960s to early 1970s; displayed at the major exhibition ‘The Buddha Image: Out of Uddiyana’, Tibet House, 22 West 15th Street, New York, 16 September-20 October 2010, extended to 16 November and again to 7 January 2011; where the collection of one hundred pieces was publicly valued at US$ 15M; this piece was scheduled to be included in an exhibition titled ‘On the Silk Route; Birth of The Buddha’, to be held in London from November 2012, but sadly his death prevented this. Accompanied by copies of several press releases and articles for the exhibition, including Artnet News, This Week in New York, Huffpost, Buddhist Art News, and copies of the relevant London and Tibet House exhibition catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10907-168639.
Gandhara was a principal gateway through which Buddhism spread to China. Academic research conducted after the death of Nik Douglas (above) explains that Gandharan sculpture has been found in neighbouring regions, such as in Uddiyana. Sculpture from the Gandharan and Uddiyana regions has similar characteristics and as a result has often remained undifferentiated. As a result of this recent research however, it is becoming more feasible to identify distinctions between the sculpture of these different regions. -
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Chinese Han Style Bronze Bear Finial
19th-20th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
A bronze finial formed as a bear in a seated position, one leg drawn up beside its body with left paw resting upon it, the other pushed out to the side of its body, the right paw resting upon it, large head with gaping mouth exposing teeth and tongue, pricked ears and bulging eyes, sagging breasts resting atop the creature's pot-belly, incised fur detailing and a short tail to the reverse; hollow-formed. 135 grams, 58 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1980-1990s. From a West Country collection. -
Chinese Wei Brick with Seated Buddha
Wei Dynasty, 534-550 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A rectangular ceramic Buddha brick displaying a Buddha figure seated on a covered dais, arms and legs folded, aureole to rear of head. 2.9 kg, 30 x 14.5 cm
Acquired 1970-1990s. Ex Hong Kong collection. From a private West Country collection.
