A BRONZE FIGURE OF A SEATED BEAR WITH GOLD AND SILVER INLAY

Description:

China, Eastern Han dynasty, 1st/ 2nd ct. AD
H. 7 cm
Solidly cast, the animal shown seated on a round plinth, the body turning to the left, the head modelled with small ears, delicate eyes and wide opened mouth, front paws turned outwards. Inlaid with a complicated pattern of entwined cloud scrolls consisting of curved and pointed elements.
Collection Julius Eberhardt, described and illustrated in: Regina Krahl: Collection Julius Eberhardt. Early Chinese Art, vol. 2, Hong Kong 2004, p. 58f, sold Nagel 2.11.2013, lot 3049 - South German private collection
Partly corroded, inlays partly lost