A RARE GILT-BRONZE FINIAL HAN - SIX DYNASTIES |

cast in the form of a phoenix head, detailed with hooked beak forming a small loop, large protruding eyes and small ears pinned back, all surmounted by a large crest, the hollow cylindrical socket slightly tapered with a lipped rim, wood stand (2)

Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

The phoenix head has been soldered to the tubular socket. Overall, the finial is in general good condition with wear to the surface and gilding.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a related gilt-bronze finial, cast in the form of a dragon head, from Han to Six Dynasties period, from the Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Bull Collection, sold in these rooms, 6th December 1983, lot 55; and another from the collection of Ch. Vignier, exhibited in Ausstellung Chinesischer Kunst, Berlin, 1929, cat. no. 92; one without gilding, modeled with a bird head, in the British Museum, London, published in Orvar Karlbeck, 'Selected Objects from Ancient Shou-chou', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, no. 27, Stockholm, 1955, pl. 42, fig. 5; and a larger bronze bird-head finial, set with a small loop, from the Han dynasty, exhibited in op. cit., Berlin, 1929, cat. no. 66.