Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Bronze Small Chinese bronze figure/object, traditionally attributed to the Han Dynasty - 4 cm

Han Dynasty Style Bronze Mat Weight – Crouching Tiger / Mythical Beast (206 BC - 220 AD)- Ancient Chinese Archaic Scroll / Mat Weight - Cuprite Malachite Patina - Chinese Antiquity

Dimension: 6.2 cm (2.45 inches) long X 4 cm (1.57 inch) h X 4.5 cm (1.77 inch)

Han Dynasty Style (206 BC – 220 AD) bronze mat weight (Xizhen 席鎮) depicting a crouching tiger.
Small Chinese bronze object, approximately 6 cm in length.

The object is traditionally attributed to the Han Dynasty, although its precise dating and attribution should be considered with appropriate caution. Its compact size, casting technique, form and surface patina are consistent with the type of small Chinese bronze objects encountered in the Asian art market, but no original archaeological provenance is available.

PROVENANCE
Formerly in the private collection of the seller's father. According to family recollection, the object was purchased from an Asian antiques dealer in Tahiti, French Polynesia, in the early 1980s. It subsequently remained in the family collection for several decades.

No original invoice or dealer documentation has been retained.

EXPORT / LICENSING
The seller will comply with all applicable French, European and destination-country cultural-property regulations and will obtain any export licence or other documentation required before shipment.

SHIPPING
The object will be securely packed and shipped with appropriate tracking. Provenance and any required legal/export documentation will accompany the shipment where applicable.

The supplier warrants that they obtained this object in a legal manner. The seller guarantees that they are entitled to sell/export this object and will arrange any necessary permits.


This Chinese bronze is a superb example of Han dynasty metalwork. Such weighted sculptures were cast in sets of four to secure the corners of woven fabric or straw floor mats in aristocratic households.
The figure displays a powerful and dynamic animalier style characteristic of the period, featuring a coiled feline with an upturned head and a tail tightly curled against its flank.

Condition and Patina:

The piece boasts an outstanding, undisturbed natural ageing patina. The surface reveals a highly solid, genuine multi-layered mineral crystallization, blending deep brick-red cuprite undertones with heavily encrusted green malachite deposits—clear testaments to 2,000 years of natural soil oxidation. Unrestored condition.

Origin: China
Material: Cast and chased bronze

Technical Characteristics & Condition
Material: Cast solid bronze.
Period / Style: Archaic Han Dynasty style.

Sculptural Details: Expressive face with incised almond-shaped eyes, small erect ears, and stylized limbs tucked close to the body. A long tail or ribbon-like motif curls fluidly over the hindquarters.
Patina: multi-layered burial patina, combining reddish-brown tones (cuprite), areas of natural green-gray verdigris (copper carbonate), and traces of crystallized oxidation reflecting a long period spent underground.

Condition: Excellent overall condition. No visible major restorations. Natural wear consistent with age (please refer to the detailed photographs).

Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.