Garniture de Cheval en Bronze Fin de la Dynastie Shang - début de la Dynastie des Zhou Occidentaux, XIE-XE siècle avant J.-C

sculptée d'une tête de taotie au centre, les pattes stylisées partant derrière son cou et s'étendant de part et d'autre jusqu'à former un fer à cheval, les yeux globulaires surmontés de sourcils broussailleux figurés par des enroulements se répétant en guise de moustaches et à l'extrémité des pattes, le bronze doté d'une patine lisse de couleur vert pâle, D.W 36/85

The x-ray reveals that there are two breaks on the left side of the mask: the first just above the mask's right ear, the second on the same side to the right of the mask's right ear, both breaks visible on the back of the piece and restored in the past. There is a ca. 2cm long crack on the same right side further down extending from the rim into the side. The front of the mask has a smooth light green patina, the back of the mask with some malachite encrustation. The inventory number 36/85 inscribed in white on the back of the mask's head.
"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 companion piece to this bronze mask from the Collection of HRS King Gustav Adolf of Sweden, is illustrated in Nils Palmgren, Selected Chinese Antiquities from the Collection of Gustaf Adolf Crown Prince of Sweden, Stockholm, 1948, pl. 14.1. King Gustav Adolf of Sweden was one of the earliest members to join the Karlbeck Syndicate and, like David David-Weill, purchased pieces from Orvar Karlbeck after he returned from his final expedition to China in December 1934.