Very heavy black patinaed bronze swords handle from the Dian civilization circa 500 BCE. The Dian a warlike were non Han culture that was centered around Dianchi Lake in Yunnan, Southwest China. Please note the traces of an iron blade in the enlargements. Two of the tines have had the tips broken off, other than that in excellent condition with abstract geometrical pattern on the pommel. L: 15cm/5.9 in.
A CHINESE ‘STAR CLUSTER’ MIRROR, HAN DYNASTY, 1ST CENTURY B.C.
The silvered bronze mirror has been recovered from burial and is encrusted with cuprite, malachite and azurite deposits. There are areas, especially on the gently curved plain side, where the original silvering still shows brightly. The central boss consisting of a single nipple, or star, within a ring of stars is surrounded by four further groups ... Click for details
This rare vase of hexagonal baluster form is decorated with waves and various diapers each set within its own panel separated by plain bands. The tubular handles on the neck derive from the distinctive vases used for the arrow game; here they are adapted by including bronze flowers within the design. The separated panels are typical of vases from the Jin ~ early ... Click for details
Ensemble of five Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BCE) garment fasteners, from Shanxi Province. No damage or repair as is so common with these items. Sizes vary from 18.8cm/7.4in to 8cm/3.1in length. The second and third largest belt hooks have distinct mythical animal heads with nice scrolling design on neck. All pieces have green “verdigris” encrustation to a greater or lesser extent, which may be viewed in photos. Included is a custom-made presentation box.
