Chinese Han Horse Torso

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. 387 grams, 76 mm



Acquired 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

Khotain 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.

A large, bifacial banded agate bead, chemically treated to show the circular 'eye' design; suspended on a cord, additional beads above and below. 30 grams, 62 cm long



Ex London, UK, gallery. Property of a London gentleman.

A group of four glazed ceramic vessels: two shallow dishes and two footed bowls with everted rim and basal ring. 659 grams total, 9.1-16 cm wide



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The Tek Sing (True Star) wreck is one of the famous recovery stories of the 20th century. Sailing from the port of Xiamen (then known as Amoy) in February 1822 the vessel Tek Sing was bound for Jakarta, Indonesia laden with porcelain goods and 1600 Chinese emigrants. The captain decided to pass through the Gaspar Strait, between the Bangka-Belitung Islands, and ran aground on a reef. The vessel sank in about 100 feet of water. The next morning, February 7, an English East Indian vessel captained by James Pearl, passing through the same waters, encountered debris and some survivors and managed to rescue about 190 of the latter.