88 A FINE AND UNUSUAL SILVER GARMENT-HOOK SIX DYNASTIES OR EARLIER

the heavy silver mount superbly cast in the shape of a lizard-like creature, realistically portrayed crouching on the button with sharp-clawed feet, the face with a fierce expression, the small expressive eyes below a thick mane swept back and revealing a pair of horns, the body and back finely detailed with small feather-like scales, the shoulders set with a pair of wings and the long tail curled and ending in a bird's head

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 1954-55, cat. no. 85.

Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 85.

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, The Museum of Art and Far Eastern Antiquities in Ulricehamn, Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 88.

The belt hook is in overall good condition. The surface shows very light overall surface wear and scratching. The button has a small dent to the rim just below the right hand/paw of the chimera.
"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 piece is unusual in its intricate and finely executed design. A gold garment-hook inlaid with a turquoise and with a similarly crouching beast but attributed to the Warring States period, is illustrated in Celestial Creations: Art of the Chinese Goldsmith. The Cheng Xun Tang Collection, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, cat. no. A10.