Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Bronze Small statuette in the shape of a bear - Han Dynasty 206 BC–220 AD - 4 cm
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,800 - € 3,100
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Small gilded bronze bear statuette from the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), 4 × 4 × 2 cm, in reasonable condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Exceptional Han dynasty gilt bronze ornamental sculpture, 206 BC–220 AD
Represents a gilded bronze bear
Hollow cast, entirely in the round, finely executed, in the form of a crouching bear on its knees, its clawed paws resting on the right knee and the left paw raised, its head tilted to the left with jaws open, lips drawn back in a fierce display of well-articulated teeth, the tongue protruding from the mouth, eyes wide, the body delicately incised to illustrate the thick fur of the beast.
Associated with immortality, the bear figure is a characteristic element of the decorative vocabulary used in Han-era funerary furnishings. The appearance of this motif corresponds to the reign of Han Emperor Wudi (140–87 BC). From that time, this animal motif is linked to a supporting function, as attested by the famous tripod with bear-footed legs found in the tomb of Prince Liu Sheng at Mancheng, discovered in 1968.
We know that during the Han dynasty, tubular animal-shaped mounts, like this one, served as feet for small furniture and vessels. This particular example stands out among similar fittings by the way craftspeople managed to capture the proportions of the beast’s body, the articulation of the limbs and the claws.
This accessory is a fine example of the central role of naturalistic animal forms in Han visual culture, where representations of bears, symbols of strength, enjoyed a popularity unmatched in later periods. Beyond gilded bronze fittings, bears are also observed in Han art as integrated supports for bronze, lacquer and ceramic containers, as molded weighted bronze plinths, in molded ceramic tiles, in textiles, and as sculpted figures in jade and hardstone.
The gilding is very well preserved
Dimensions 4 x 4 x 2 cm
From a French private collection
Under the base, a collection number is inscribed in a pen (easily erasable)
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained; provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
Important information. The seller guarantees that he/she is authorized to ship this lot.
The seller will obtain the necessary authorizations.
The seller will inform the buyer if this takes more than a few days.
see comparable models
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/26224/lot/303/two-gilt-bronze-bear-form-supports-han-dynasty-2/#!
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22950/lot/2004/a-gilt-bronze-support-fitting-han-dynasty/
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3045609
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6487706
Exceptional Han dynasty gilt bronze ornamental sculpture, 206 BC–220 AD
Represents a gilded bronze bear
Hollow cast, entirely in the round, finely executed, in the form of a crouching bear on its knees, its clawed paws resting on the right knee and the left paw raised, its head tilted to the left with jaws open, lips drawn back in a fierce display of well-articulated teeth, the tongue protruding from the mouth, eyes wide, the body delicately incised to illustrate the thick fur of the beast.
Associated with immortality, the bear figure is a characteristic element of the decorative vocabulary used in Han-era funerary furnishings. The appearance of this motif corresponds to the reign of Han Emperor Wudi (140–87 BC). From that time, this animal motif is linked to a supporting function, as attested by the famous tripod with bear-footed legs found in the tomb of Prince Liu Sheng at Mancheng, discovered in 1968.
We know that during the Han dynasty, tubular animal-shaped mounts, like this one, served as feet for small furniture and vessels. This particular example stands out among similar fittings by the way craftspeople managed to capture the proportions of the beast’s body, the articulation of the limbs and the claws.
This accessory is a fine example of the central role of naturalistic animal forms in Han visual culture, where representations of bears, symbols of strength, enjoyed a popularity unmatched in later periods. Beyond gilded bronze fittings, bears are also observed in Han art as integrated supports for bronze, lacquer and ceramic containers, as molded weighted bronze plinths, in molded ceramic tiles, in textiles, and as sculpted figures in jade and hardstone.
The gilding is very well preserved
Dimensions 4 x 4 x 2 cm
From a French private collection
Under the base, a collection number is inscribed in a pen (easily erasable)
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained; provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
Important information. The seller guarantees that he/she is authorized to ship this lot.
The seller will obtain the necessary authorizations.
The seller will inform the buyer if this takes more than a few days.
see comparable models
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/26224/lot/303/two-gilt-bronze-bear-form-supports-han-dynasty-2/#!
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22950/lot/2004/a-gilt-bronze-support-fitting-han-dynasty/
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3045609
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6487706
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
HAN 206 BC-220 AC
Name of object
Small statuette in the shape of a bear - Han Dynasty 206 BC–220 AD
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
4 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Width
4 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
2 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
