Lot 31
  • 31

AN UNUSUAL ORDOS GOLD FITTING 6TH/4TH CENTURY BC

Estimate
1,000 - 2,000 GBP
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Description

cast as four stylised animal heads issuing from a zoomorphic body and forming a taotie-mask with a pair of raised bosses flanking a central flange

Exhibited

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 33.

 

Literature

Gyllensvärd, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 33.

Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 31.

Condition

The fitting is in good overall condition with the exception of light pitting and scratching to the surface and slight distortion possibly contemporary to manufacture.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Compare a very similar cast gold piece unearthed from an Ordos site in Inner Mongolia, illustrated in Erduosi qingtong qi, Beijing, 1986, p. 92, fig. 60:4.