Lot 649
- 649
A RARE OVAL MOLDED POTTERY 'DRAGON' PLAQUE SONG / JIN DYNASTY |
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Length 4 3/4 in., 12 cm
the principal side with a sinuous four-clawed dragon in high relief walking upon its hind legs, its tail sweeping between the legs, its upright torso twisting in a sharp S-curve, the grimacing face directed forward, four small armored figures climbing up the dragon's body and a fifth straddling the dragon's head, the figures wielding axes, halberds, and other weapons, the dragon grasping a conical weapon in one hand, the bodies of the dragon and figures impressed with a stippled texture, the reverse unadorned, custom stand (2)
Provenance
Collection of Johannes Hellner (1866-1947).
Condition
The plaque with wear overall, there has been general erosion of the pottery which some associated losses most evident along the edges and along the right side. The wear has caused some discoloration with some areas a rosy-tone in places and there are accretions on the reverse side.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The dragon on the present plaque bears a strong resemblance to dragons woven in textiles produced in China and Central Asia the 11th and 12th centuries. Compare the dragon in an early 12th century Northern Song kesi in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, as well as dragons in an 11th-12th century Central Asian kesi in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, both published in When Silk was Gold: Central Asian and Chinese Textiles, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Cleveland Museum of Art, New York and Cleveland, 1998, fig. 16 and cat. no. 13, respectively.