AN UNUSUAL ORDOS SILVER HARNESS FITTING 6TH/4TH CENTURY BC

rendered in the form of the stylised head of a feline, the slanting eyes mirroring long pointed ears, a cloud spiral issuring from its mouth, a square four-sided loop at the back for attachment

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no.86.

 

 

Gyllensvärd, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 86.

Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 89.

The fitting is in very good overall condition with the exception of light pitting and scratching to the front surface, minor nicks around the ears and a slight bend to the top scroll of the cloud.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compare two very similar pieces in silver and bronze excavated from Ordos sites in Inner Mongolia, illustrated in Erduosi shi qingrtong qi, Beijing, 1986, pl. 101:5 and 6. See also an example described as a harness jingle, published in Jenny F.So and Emma C. Bunker, Traders and Raiders on China's Northern Frontier, Washington, D.C., 1995, cat.no. 49.