Description:

China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206-220 CE. Ten mercury gilt bronze harness ornaments from the barbarian culture Xiongnu, to the north of Han China. A nomadic people who formed a great tribal league that was able to dominate much of Central Asia for more than 500 years. China's wars against the Xiongnu, who were a constant threat to the country's northern frontier throughout this period, led to the Chinese exploration and conquest of much of Central Asia. This pastoral people wore bronze plaques decorated with animals as harness and belt ornaments. Ornaments are button-shaped with identical bears with claws on each. The larger ornament appears to have a higher gold content than the others. Eight of the ornaments have fixtures on the reverse side for attaching to harness. Images and discussion of similar pieces can be found in Emma C. Bunker's book, Ancient Bronzes of the Eastern Eurasian Steppes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collection. Largest ornament measures approximately 1-1/2" across, nine smaller ornaments measure approximately 1-1/8" across.Provenance: Ex- Connell collection, MA, ex-private German collectionAuthenticity GuranteedThe starting price is the price at which the piece can sell.

  • Condition: Excellent

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June 13, 2013 9:00 AM MDT
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Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000