Lot 4
  • 4

A FRAGMENT OF AN OPENWORK GOLD PLAQUE 6TH/4TH CENTURY BC

Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
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Description

cast with a profile rendering of two animals coiled around each other into a circle, their legs tucked into the centre, the plaque encircled by joined bird heads with long beaks and pronounced eyes, the reverse with two rounded loops for attachment, 4.6cm., 1 7/8 in., WEIGHT 15g.; together with a small circular gold fitting decorated with stylised palmettes

Exhibited

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. nos. 22, 34.

Literature

Gyllensvärd, 1953, pls. 22, 34.

Ulricehamn, 1999, pls. 21, 32.

Condition

The openwork plaque is in overall good condition with the exception of a small casting flaw to one side. It has very light overall surface wear and scratching. The small circular gold fitting is in overall good condition.
"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 related examples cast in bronze and excavated from a number of Ordos sites in Inner Mongolia, illustrated in Erduosi shi qingtong qi, Beijing, 1986, p. 120, fig. 86:6-9 and pl. 81:5-7.