Chinese Song Terracotta Tile

Substantial ceramic block with landscape scene, two fawns reclining among rocks with a fallen tree above; linzhi fungi and leaf-clusters; high-relief modelling with some undercutting. 13.55 kg, 43 cm long



From a West Country, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Square in plan with low L-shaped feet, domed lid; hatched fields with reserved vegetation motifs; inner face and lid with neat columns of dense pointillé text; the lid reading: 'Son, Zhang-Kechang laid his father to rest in this grave', the base reading: 'The late Mr. Zhang (Yuzhen) was born on the 17th September 1786 (Qianlong reign) during the morning, around 9-11am. - He passed away on the 27th January 1848 (Daoguang reign) - He was peacefully buried on the 26th of the same [lunar] month (1st Feb 1848). On a Dingyou day, with the grave opened in the early morning and the burial taking place just before noon, at a mountain in his home region. - The tomb is aligned in a traditional Chinese grave, seated on Qian mountain (NW), facing Xun (SE), with straight deviation toward Si and Wu direction (SE to S)'. 300 grams, 11.1 x 7.9 cm



From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

A matched pair of penannular bracelets, each formed in tightly-bound plaited gold wire with terminals formed as the crested heads of makara, their eyes set with rubies; mounted in a lined presentation case. 24.18 grams total, 64-65mm



Habsburg, Feldman, GOLD, Important Ancient and Ethnic Jewellery and Works of Art in Precious Metal, Hotel des Bergues, Geneva, 14 May 1990, no.105, 111. Acquired by the current owner from the above sale. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12800-241416. 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.

Gold jewellery in northern Thailand holds both aesthetic and cultural significance, deeply rooted in regional identity, status, and spiritual belief. Traditionally crafted by skilled artisans, such pieces were not only symbols of wealth and social standing but also believed to offer protection and merit. In Lanna culture (the historic kingdom of northern Thailand), gold was closely associated with religious offerings, marriage rituals, and rites of passage, often passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms. The intricate designs—frequently featuring floral and mythical motifs—reflect both indigenous styles and broader Southeast Asian influences, underscoring gold’s enduring role in both personal adornment and communal heritage.