Page 38 - March 16, 2017 Chinese Art, The Harris Collection, Christies
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TWO BRONZE MASK-FORM HARNESS ORNAMENTS
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY (CIRCA 1046-771 BC)
The frst is cast in relief as a taotie mask with pierced eyes and curved horns. On the
concave reverse there is a vertical attachment loop behind each horn at the top, and
a third, horizontal, loop at the bottom. The second is cast in relief as a tiger mask with
large openwork ears that come to a point and curved markings on the nose. A horizontal
strap spans the concave reverse. There is malachite and earth encrustation.
4 and 2Ω in. (10.2 and 6.5 cm.) wide, box
(2)
$5,000-7,000
PROVENANCE
Both: The Collection of Edgar and Hedwig Worch, Paris; Christie’s New York, 2 June
1994, lot 44 (part).
The Erwin Harris Collection, Miami, Florida.
Compare the second ornament to the related bronze animal mask ornaments
illustrated by B. Karlgren, B.M.F.E.A., No. 33, Stockholm, 1961, pl. 2 (nos. 4 and 5).
No. 4 was subsequently in the Frederick M. Mayer Collection and sold at Christie’s
London, 24-25 June 1974, lot 217.
西周 青銅獸面馬飾兩件
36 THE HARRIS COLLECTION:
IMPORTANT EARLY CHINESE ART