Lot 2318
  • 2318

A GOLD 'SAN' HAIR ORNAMENT MING DYNASTY

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

delicately executed, the thin gold wires forming five radiating cloud motifs to resemble the san, 'Standard of Victory', each side suspending three circular rings, surmounted by a small gold knop

Exhibited

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat no. 47.

Literature

Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, cat. no. 47.
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, 1999, cat. no. 64.

Condition

The slender pin is slightly bent, but probably can be straightened out. The overall condition is very good.
"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 similar hair ornament modelled as the Buddhist staff san, the 'Standard of Victory' in Celestial Creations: Art of the Chinese Goldsmith, The Cheng Xun Tang Collection, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007, pl.G36; accompanied by two similar hair ornaments.  See three more variations of this design, illustrated in Simon Kwan and Sun Ji, Chinese Gold Ornaments, Hong Kong, 2003, pls. 323 and 325.