RARE - Antique Fine CHINESE Gilt Gold BRONZE Belt Hook DRAGON Tiger Ox Turquoise
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:486982 | Region of Origin: Chinese |
Sub-Type: Belt Hook | Product: Necklace/Pendant |
Original/Repro: Antique Original | Primary Material: Bronze |
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I have decided to sell some of my own personal Asian art coll...ection to make space for new additions. Over the coming weeks I'll be auctioning on eBay lots of interesting antiques, which will end each and every Sunday.
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DIMENSIONS
Height: - 6 cm (2 2/8 inches)
Width: - 17 cm (6 6/8 inches)Weight: - 617 g (1.36 lb / 21.8 oz)
CONDITION
Excellent Original Condition - No Repairs & No Restorations - First off let me confirm, this is a very high quality piece of bronze work. I assume it's function is as a belt hook (worn at the waist) however I have never seen another example like it. There is a square void on the reverse where something must have joined but I do not know what and again have never seen this on a belt hook. So let me confirm what I see... This piece is made of solid bronze with a gilt gold covering (missing in places). There is inlay work of natural turquoise stones and a red stone which I am not familiar with. I think there was once other stones set in the eyes and other places which are now all missing (they could be easily replaced). The casting is very crisp and my photographs (even though they are sharp) do not really do this piece justice. It is truly impressive and must have been very expensive when first made. I have owned many Chinese antique gilt bronze belt hooks over the past 40 years, but this one is by far the best. I do not know how old it actually is, I can confirm it is an antique, but do not know how old it is. My best guess is that this item is a 19th Century fine copy of a much earlier piece. Please study my detailed photographs. The overall design is 3 snakes (one on the reverse), a dragon (main buckle) and 2 leopard (or cat) heads on snake bodies. Four of the snakes body animals have creatures in their mouths. The snakes have ox / water buffalo and the Leopards have maybe water buffalo calves in their mouths. This is not something I have ever come across before and to be honest it is outside my field of knowledge. I am sure this buckle holds lots of meaning and should be research... I always intended to do so, but never got around to it. - I know the winner of this piece will be absolutely delighted with it. - Good Luck!