Lot Essay
This piece would have been one of a set of four string anchors, rui, for a se zither. The particular motif of a seated bear shown within a round context is typical of the Western Han period.
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NORTH CHINA, 2ND-1ST CENTURY BC
Details
A GILT-BRONZE ZITHER STRING ANCHOR, SE RUI
NORTH CHINA, 2ND-1ST CENTURY BC
The domed top forms the cap of a square socket and is cast in high relief as the compact body of a seated bear facing forward, the large paws in various positions.
2 in. (5.1 cm.) high
NORTH CHINA, 2ND-1ST CENTURY BC
The domed top forms the cap of a square socket and is cast in high relief as the compact body of a seated bear facing forward, the large paws in various positions.
2 in. (5.1 cm.) high
Provenance
Jay C. Leff (1925-2000) Collection, Pittsburgh; Sotheby Parke Bernet, 12-13 October, 1975, lot 90.
The Erwin Harris Collection, Miami, Florida.
The Erwin Harris Collection, Miami, Florida.
Literature
J. Haskins, Near Eastern and Far Eastern art from the collection of Jay C. Leff, New York, 1965, p. 37.
J. F. So and E. C. Bunker, Traders and Raiders on China's Northern Frontier, Washington D.C., Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1995, pp. 150-151, no. 72.
J. F. So and E. C. Bunker, Traders and Raiders on China's Northern Frontier, Washington D.C., Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1995, pp. 150-151, no. 72.