East Asia, North China to Mongolia, Liao Dynasty, ca. 916 to 1125 CE. A stunning cast copper belt or horse harness plaque with large remains of the shimmering 32% gold gilt! The panel is comprised of 2 pieces, with a set of protruding loops at one end (now split apart) and a rivet hole on the verso of the second panel for securing to the other segments of the belt. This piece was likely mounted on a leather band with additional plaques accenting or covering the strap length. This large gilt plaque boasts excellent detailing - high relief peony flowers slightly recessed into the front panel, and the verso etched with scrolling foliate motifs, and ample remains of its original gilding throughout! Size: 4.5" L x 2.75" W (11.4 cm x 7 cm); gold quality: 32% (equivalent to 7K+); weight: 92.9 grams

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Arts duMonde, New York, USA, before 2000

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#174312

Panel is split into 2 separate pieces along hinged / loop area, and small losses along these break lines. Mineral deposits, oxidation, and green patina throughout. Some losses to gilt but great remains.