A RARE ORDOS TURQUOISE-INLAID GOLD RAM FITTING SPRING AND AUTUMN PERIOD

realistically cast with a front leg curled under the body and the outer hind leg bent up to its nose as if scratching, the head raised high and surmounted by a fine pair of curled horns, traces of turquoise inlay, two pins on the reverse for attachment

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 21.

Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 21.

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, The Museum of Art and Far Eastern Antiquities in Ulricehamn, Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 16.

The fitting is in overall very good condition with the exception to overall surface scratching.
"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."

Four cast gold fittings of almost identical shape and size were discovered at Fengxiang county in Shaanxi province. Datable to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, they are thought to be harness or chariot fittings, see Zhongguo meishui quanji. Gongyi meishu bian, vol. 10, Beijing, 1987, pls. 4 and 5.