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LOT 2058
Chinese Northern Wei Painted Buddha Brick
NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY, 386-534 A.D.
13 in. (3.22 kg, 33 cm).
Rectangular with arched recessed niche enclosing a standing robed Buddha figure in high-relief, hands in the gesture of reassurance.
ProvenanceEx Hong Kong collection, 1980-1990.
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 Han Gilded Bronze Sword Pommel with Jade
Han Dynasty, 2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,100
Comprising a discoid body and cylindrical socket pierced twice for attachment (one piercing occluded); a circumferential zoomorphic frieze in high-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; minor restoration. 387 grams, 76 mm
Some restoration, very good condition.
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). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12036-211774.
The Khotain jade was the best 'moonstone' quality used for gilded-bronzes, and came from the White Jade River, available after the signature of a military treaty in about 69BC to 101AD. This object is believed to have been produced for a notable client, likely even for a royal given the item's similarity to a finial excavated from the tomb of a Prince of Zhongshan. -
Chinese Northern Wei Buddha Brick
Northern Wei Dynasty, 386-534 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With recess to the obverse, high-relief standing nimbate figure of Buddha with one hand raised. 3.63 kg, 31 cm
Ex Hong Kong collection, 1980-1990. -
Chinese Tang Terracotta Polo Player Pair
Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
A dynamic pair of ceramic polo player figures modelled in the round, riding galloping horses in vigorous poses, each a female in a robe with long sleeves and extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation, detailing to the harnesses and rider's garments; each with a custom-made display stand. 10.65 kg total, 45-47 cm high including stands
From a West Country, UK, collection, formed in the 1990s. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.C124a7 from Oxford Authentication for one of the figures. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12097-213518.