East Asia, China, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A stunning life sized cloisonne enamel and gilt brass hawk or falcon on a wood stand. The talons have brass rods that are inserted into the wood perch and the bird is removable. The vibrant enamel has striated white bar patterning on the breast, similar to a goshawk which is widely used in China for falconry. Birds of prey symbolize a keen focus and pursuit of victory. Hunting with trained falcons and eagles has deep historical roots in Chinese culture, dating back over 3000 years, and falconry as a pastime was a status symbol among the elite. In the 1900s, around the time this sculpture was made, falconry?s popularity declined in correlation to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and imperial aristocracy. Size: 14" L x 8.5" Diameter x 14.25" H (35.6 cm x 21.6 cm x 36.2 cm); gold quality: 2.1% to 7.2%

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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.

#182503

Abrasions and chips to enamel on the center of bird's back and between wings on top of tail. The rest is intact and very good. Some areas of patina and toning to brass. Stable fissure radiating from wooden legs and abrasions to the wood base.