Page 260 - China's Renaissance in Bronze, The Robert H.CIague Collection of Later Chinese Bronzes 1100-1900

pins and soldered to the body below the proper-
right rear haunch. A corroding iron rod, approxi-
mately 1/4 inch in diameter, juts inside the sculpture
from the...shank of the proper right rear leg.
Tests with a magnet reveal that the iron rod extend-
ed through the haunch into the shank. Due to the
fact of iron corrosion and metallic structure of the
solid cast shank, this iron rod was in place during
the original casting of the sculpture. Tests with the
magnet were inconclusive if another iron rod is
cast into the proper left rear leg. Radiography of
the sculpture could reveal the structure if neces-
sary. Portions of the casting core remain inside the
sculpture. The modeling is well executed and
highly articulated.The surface has been well chased.
There are some small casting flaws in the form of
tiny air pockets visible along the ear, mouth, and
chest of the Kylin (qilin). Some flaws continue
through the metal as small holes visible from the
inside when the sculpture is held near a strong
light. Surface: The patina is a rich brown, olive
underneath golden highlights in the body areas.
This patina appears to be from age rather than
chemically induced. The gilded areas appear to be
a 'fire' or mercury gilding. The mane and tail were
not gilded originally.'
10. Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong, Arts
from the Scholar's Studio, 240, number 232.

56 10 C H I N A ' S R E N A I S S A N C E IN B R O N Z E