A unique opportunity to acquire what must be one of the rarest of Chinese ancient artefacts. This is a gilded copper crown made during the Liao Dynasty (AD 907 - 1125) from the North-East of China. It is made from thinly hammered copper sheets with a design of scrolling flower blossoms cut out in openwork. The work is superb (see close-up photos). It is very delicate and, as can be seen, there are losses. Originally it would have had two "side flaps". This type of crown is believed to be worn only by high-ranking females. For information below we show a similar, more complete example in-situ from the tomb of the Princess of Chen and Xiao Shaoju dated to AD 1018, or earlier. For more background information refer to the excellent book, "Gilded Splendor, Treasures of China's Liao Empire".

Height 25 cm, diameter 22 cm. Some loses, added metal bands and minor repairs for added strength.

Very few collections of Chinese antiquities have such an item as this and it is extremely unlikely that we shall ever be able to offer another.

Provenance: Christie's, Paris, 22nd November 2006, lot 245.

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