Large Chinese Tang Figure of a Fawn

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 gold decorated bracelet comprising six strands of tightly braided trichinopoly between two rectangular and panels with applied filigree floral motifs within braided filigree borders and with a granule to the centre; larger rectangular hollow-formed sheet-gold fastener with applied filigree motifs and granule, loop closure. 23.80 grams, 16 cm long



with Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 28 July 2021, lot 1121. Private collection, acquired from the above sale. Important North West London collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11711-199722.

A Han Dynasty style sinuous gilt bronze lionesque beast, modelled in a dynamic coiled posture on a circular base from which fingers of water rise in response to the animal's muscular movements, its slender body with a dense covering of scales, its long and scaly tail curled upwards and its roaring mouth ajar, revealing a row of squared teeth and a protruding tongue, its eyes bulbous and large ears pricked. 367 grams, 66 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970s. West Country, UK, collection.