Chinese Han Style Bronze Bear Finial

Modelled standing facing in a floor-length courtly dress featuring a hand fan and floral print, hands held within voluminous sleeves at her chest, presenting a small lidded box; remains of polychrome pigmentation. 2.6 kg, 40 cm high



Acquired 1990s. West Country, UK, collection. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.CJ142522022 from Laboratory Kotalla. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11370-192729.

Modelled in the round, standing with head and neck bent around to the left side of the body, wearing a saddle cloth, saddle and bridle, cropped mane and dappled coat. 8.5 kg, 42.5 cm high

Fine condition.

Acquired 1990s. West Country, UK, collection. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence report no.30CM180321, issued by Laboratory Kotalla. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11361-192731.

Modelled in the round advancing on a polygonal base, head tossed backwards and mouth open exposing the animal's teeth and tongue, saddled with a camel bag decorated with beast heads, rider staring into the distance whilst playing a set of pipes held in his right hand, the left held lower with hand making a fist to grip reins; remains of polychrome pigmentation. 6.2 kg, 53 cm



Acquired 1990s. West Country, UK, collection. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.CJ22522022 from Laboratory Kotalla. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11369-192727.

Camels symbolised the prosperity of the Silk Route- the trade routes between China, Europe, and the Middle East- as they were the main form of transportation in the caravans. A popular theme for Tang court painters and sculptors was that of foreign ambassadors submitting tribute to the emperor. Diplomatic missions and the concomitant opulent offerings were an important medium of international exchange. In the dynasty’s first decades, the Tang expanded control north and east to Goguryeo and Baekje in Manchuria and the Korean peninsula, north to the steppes of Mongolia, west to the deserts and oases of Central Asia, and south to parts of the present-day provinces of Guangxi, Yunnan, and northern Vietnam. These and other kingdoms sent staples and exotica: lions from Persia and rhinoceroses from the kingdom of Champa in south and central Vietnam, hawks from the Korean peninsula, ostriches sent by Western Turks, sandalwood from the Indonesian archipelago, cardamom from the coast of the Malay peninsula, indigo from Samarkand, and wool from Tibet. Even entertainers such as musicians, dancers, and performers, as depicted on this piece, were presented as gifts. As is evident in tomb paintings and figurines, international trade whetted a taste for striking and sumptuous fashions among the Tang elite. Leopard-skin hats and close-fitting sleeves, imitating the clothing of Central Asians and Persians to the west, were popular in the mid-8th century. High boots, practical for riding, were worn by both men and women, as were short tunics.