An ORDOS SILVER GARMENT-HOOK EASTERN ZHOU 6TH/4TH CENTURY BC

the large body worked in repousse in the shape of a crouching beast, the legs partly hidden underneath the body, the head lifted and ears raised, the tail tapering and forming the hook, the reverse with a small button

Musee Cernuschi, Paris, November 1938

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 147.

Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 147.

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, The Museum of Art and Far Eastern Antiquities in Ulricehamn, Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 146.

The hook is in fair overall condition with the exception of replacement to the end section (5.5cm.) of the tail and hook, replacement of the button, and light pitting and scratching to the surface. It is probable that the hook has been coated in a wax or varnish to resist tarnish to the silver on the front face.
"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."

The present example possibly represents an Ordos garment-hook that was later adapted and fitted with a new hook. A very similar gilt bronze example is in the Wellington Wang Collection, illustrated in Belt Ornaments through the Ages, Taipei, 1996, p. 92.