Lot 896
Bronze appliqué depicting a big cat holding a snake in its paws, 4th century B.C.
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A109kua | Live auction | 1190 Lots
Description
Stylised figure of a four-legged predator (probably a large feline, though not unambiguously identifiable due to the exaggeratedly elongated snout when compared with other examples of this type) with bared jaws, holding a snake with the paws of all four legs; the snake's head turns back beneath the predator's lower jaw. The eyes and the front part of the snake's forked tongue are clearly articulated. The reverse hollow with a loop at the level of the croup to secure the applique to a backing. Green, mottled Patina with minimally corroded areas and brownish incrustations. The piece is a very fine example of a well-known type of so-called “Ordos bronzes”, which in all likelihood capture a key scene from a myth. Intact. Length 9 cm. Cultural Asset!Provenance: Private collection in Germany; acquired in 2021 on the British art market.
Condition: II Questions about the lot?
