Page 14 - 2020 September 21 Elegant Embellishment the RenLu Colelction, Bonham NYC

303

303
TWO GILT BRONZE BEAR-FORM SUPPORTS
Han dynasty
Each hollow cast and seated with left fore-paw on folded leg and right
fore-paw on well-rounded thigh, each head downcast with gaping
mouth showing large teeth and surrounded by a large ruff under
pointed ears framing small eyes, the deep sockets and rounded belly
cast to receive inlays, the back of each figure cast with a perforated
lug for attachment.
1 3/8in (3.5cm) high (2).

US$8,000 - 12,000
302
漢 铜鎏金熊形器足兩件

302 Bears were depicted in Chinese art at least as early as the Shang
FOUR GILT BRONZE ANIMAL SCULPTURES dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1050 BC). The bear imagery was popular during
Han dynasty the Han Dynasty symbolizing heroic power and has been associated
Each hollow ornament cast in high relief with a recumbent panther or with legendary rulers. Bears are observed in Han art as integral
feline, the well-defined head resting on back haunches. supports for bronze, lacquer and ceramic vessels, as solid-cast
Average length: 1 1/8in (2.8cm) bronze sculptural mat-weights, in molded ceramic tiles, in textiles and
Average height: 3/4in (2cm) (4). as carved jade and hardstone figures. For a fine inlaid example, see
Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Gilt Bronzes from the Wessen and Other
US$2,500 - 4,000 Collections (Eskenazi, Ltd., London, 11-25 July 1980) no. 22. See
also a small gilt bronze bear mat weight sold at Christie’s New York,
漢 銅鎏金獸雕四件 17 March 2015, from the Robert Ellsworth collection, a closely related
seated bear in the Cleveland Museum collection (acquisition number
Hollowed Ornaments such as these were used as either mat 1994.203), and a set of four Han bear support fittings in the National
weights with the addition of filler，or part of a horse bridle or saddle Museum of Korea, (acquisition number Bongwan 4799).
embellishments.

For a related group, see Christie’s, New York, 16 March 2017, lot 851,
from the Erwin Harris Collection, Miami, Florida.

12 | BONHAMS