Lot 42
42
PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE ESTATE OF BLANCHETTE H ROCKEFELLER
A RARE BRONZE SCABBARD APPLIQUE

Details
A RARE BRONZE SCABBARD APPLIQUE
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

Of elongated U-shape and cast with an openwork design of entwined scrolling tendrils bulging outwards at the broadest point and terminating in buds, the two uppermost buds supporting kneeling, naked figures, their oversized heads with exaggerated features and hair pulled back in a bun, with holes for attachment, extensive green encrustation, some restoration--7 3/4in. (19.7cm.) long, lucite stand
Exhibited
New York, The Asia Society, Inc., Asian Art Selections from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd, 1970, no. 31, illus.

Lot Essay

A similar scabbard applique or cover is illustrated by Cheng Dong and Zhong Shaoyi in Ancient Chinese Weapons, 1990, col. pl. 5, no. 3-45 and another with water buffalo or oxen in the place of the human figures is illustrated on p.58, no. 3-44a, where it is discussed that there would have been a wood or leather backing