HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-AD 220)

Details

A RARE INLAY-EMBELLISHED GILT-BRONZE BEAR-FORM SUPPORT
HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-AD 220)
The heavy support is hollow cast in the shape of a seated bear with right forepaw raised and left resting on its thigh, and the mouth open. There is a D-shaped opening in the back of the head and a circular opening in the base. The fur is suggested by small linear markings, areas of tiny circles on the sides of the legs, and a textured stripe down the backbone. The eyes, ears and body are embellished with turquoise and jade or glass inlay, and there is some red pigment in the mouth.
3 1/8 in. (8 cm.) high, box

Provenance

Acquired in Hong Kong, before 2000.
Eskenazi, London, 2001.
By descent from the Reach Family Collection.

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Lot Essay

Hollow, gilt-bronze bear-form fittings of this type are thought to have held the wood or lacquer legs of vessels or furniture. A pair of fittings of this type are illustrated by d'Argencé in Chinese Treasures from the Avery Brundage Collection, The Asia Society, New York, 1968, pp. 44-5, no. 30.

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