East Asia, China, Northern Wei Dynasty, ca. 386 to 534 CE. An enchanting leaded bronze taotie face applique with a thick gilt of 24% (equivalent to 5K+)! The taotie is a mythological creature with a ferocious appetite, and here he is characteristically shown with a symmetrical forward-facing visage with scrolling horns, bulging eyes, curled upper lip, and two pointed teeth. This applique would be attached to the side of a wooden door or coffin, and a ring handle would fit through the loop formed under the creature's snout. Such mask faces are cast separately, and this taotie would be attached to the wooden panel exterior by four piercings around the periphery with rivets. The size and thick layer of gold on this applique suggests the applique would have been one in a set meant for an important individual. A green patina has developed across most of the applique, but the gilt shimmers through, contrasting beautifully with the aged layers. Size: 5" W x 5.25" H (12.7 cm x 13.3 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand; gold gilt quality: 24% (equivalent to 5K+)

The taotie is one of the "four fiends" or "four evil creatures" of Chinese mythology, and it is a particularly fascinating and ancient symbol seen on ancient bronzes. In the Lushi Chunqiu, known in English as Master Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals, a Chinese encyclopedia compiled around 239 BCE, the taotie is described thusly: "The taotie on Zhou bronzes has a head but no body. When it eats people, it does not swallow them, but harms them" (16/3a Prophecy). This and other ancient descriptions of the creature suggest that it related to making food offerings/sacrifices for the insatiable spirits of the dead. Some scholars believe that the creature is part of the mysterious communication between people and the gods.

A similar example with a small demon figure hammered for $32,500 at Christie's, New York "Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art" auction (auction 2726, September 19-20, 2013, lot 1458)

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: ex-Joe Loux, San Francisco, California, USA, 1980s

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167037

Some oxidation and russet patina around piercing holes. Surface wear and abrasions as expected with age and exposure to elements. Intact with wonderful gilt areas. Earthen and mineral deposits with areas of green patina.