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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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 3,200 - € 3,900
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Description from the seller
Exceptional bronze decorative sculpture from the Han Dynasty, 206 BC - 220 AD
Represent a golden bronze bear.
Hollow, entirely in round-boss, and finely executed, in the shape of a crouching bear on its knees, with its clawed paws resting on the right knee and the left paw raised, the head tilted to the left with open jaws, lips pulled back in a fierce display of well-articulated teeth, tongue protruding from the mouth, eyes wide open, and 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 funeral furniture from the Han period. The appearance of this motif corresponds to the reign of Emperor Han Wudi (140-87 BC). From that time, this animal motif was linked to a supporting function, as evidenced by the famous tripod cauldron with bear-shaped feet found in the tomb of Prince Liu Sheng, discovered in Mancheng in 1968.
It is known that, under the Han dynasty, animal-shaped tubular fittings, like this one, served as feet for small furniture and containers. This particular example stands out among similar accessories due to how the artisans managed to capture the proportions of the beast's body, the articulation of its arms, and its 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 such popularity that it was never matched in subsequent eras. Beyond gilded bronze accessories, bears are also seen in Han art as integrated supports for bronze, lacquer, and ceramic vessels, as sculptural weight-tapes in cast bronze, in molded ceramic tiles, in textiles, and as carved figures in jade and hard stone.
The gilding is very well preserved.
Dimensions 4 x 4 x 2 cm
From a private French collection
On the base, a collection number is written with a pen (easily erased).
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained, statement of provenance seen by Catawiki.
Important information. The seller guarantees that they are authorized to ship this lot.
The seller will handle obtaining the necessary authorizations.
The seller will inform the buyer if it 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/#!
A gilt bronze support fitting from the Han Dynasty.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3045609
Please provide the text you'd like translated from the webpage.
Exceptional bronze decorative sculpture from the Han Dynasty, 206 BC - 220 AD
Represent a golden bronze bear.
Hollow, entirely in round-boss, and finely executed, in the shape of a crouching bear on its knees, with its clawed paws resting on the right knee and the left paw raised, the head tilted to the left with open jaws, lips pulled back in a fierce display of well-articulated teeth, tongue protruding from the mouth, eyes wide open, and 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 funeral furniture from the Han period. The appearance of this motif corresponds to the reign of Emperor Han Wudi (140-87 BC). From that time, this animal motif was linked to a supporting function, as evidenced by the famous tripod cauldron with bear-shaped feet found in the tomb of Prince Liu Sheng, discovered in Mancheng in 1968.
It is known that, under the Han dynasty, animal-shaped tubular fittings, like this one, served as feet for small furniture and containers. This particular example stands out among similar accessories due to how the artisans managed to capture the proportions of the beast's body, the articulation of its arms, and its 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 such popularity that it was never matched in subsequent eras. Beyond gilded bronze accessories, bears are also seen in Han art as integrated supports for bronze, lacquer, and ceramic vessels, as sculptural weight-tapes in cast bronze, in molded ceramic tiles, in textiles, and as carved figures in jade and hard stone.
The gilding is very well preserved.
Dimensions 4 x 4 x 2 cm
From a private French collection
On the base, a collection number is written with a pen (easily erased).
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained, statement of provenance seen by Catawiki.
Important information. The seller guarantees that they are authorized to ship this lot.
The seller will handle obtaining the necessary authorizations.
The seller will inform the buyer if it 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/#!
A gilt bronze support fitting from the Han Dynasty.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3045609
Please provide the text you'd like translated from the webpage.
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.
