East Asia, China, Warring States Period, ca. 476 to 221 BCE. A pair of cast leaded-bronze chariot axle caps shaped like stylized zoomorphic creatures, each perhaps a doe. The heads each present with ears rising alertly into the air, almond eyes beneath raised brows, a perforation through the neck for securing the attachment, and a crease down the center of the brow. Though the faces appear like aggressive canines with snarling teeth, this type of deer presentation typically have parted lips. Fine layers of green and brown patina cover each axle cap in finely aged color. Size of each (both are relatively similar): 1.75" L x 1.25" W x 2" H (4.4 cm x 3.2 cm x 5.1 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. a full doe figurine with a similar head at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 2002.201.50; also the Denver Art Museum, accession number 1954.33.2A

Provenance: ex-John Hurter collection, Palm Springs, California, USA, purchased in Egypt in the mid-1980s and imported into the US prior to 1995

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#178944

One head with restoration to small area behind neck base, and the other head with restoration to nearly the entire neck, each with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and exterior break lines. Each head with light earthen deposits, small nicks, and some bronze corrosion, otherwise in very nice condition. Great patina throughout.