East Asia, China, Warring States Period, ca. 475 to 221 BCE. A charming decorative attachment with a fantastical mask at one end and a long, handle-like openwork arm at the other. The cast bronze mask is in the form of some kind of bird, possibly a Fenghuang, sometimes known as the August Rooster or the Chinese Phoenix. Looming eyes look down over a sharp, short beak; curls reminiscent of long feathers extend from the eyelids and flow up over each eye. Bronze cast into feathered shapes forms the rest of the squared-off face. The fenghuang is a symbol of unity and has very positive connotations; it is also associated with the royal house. Size: 4.4" L x 2" W x 1.7" H (11.2 cm x 5.1 cm x 4.3 cm); 3.65" H (9.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#137117

Mottled brown and dark green patina on surface. Nice preservation of form and details.