A Set of Three Han Dynasty Gilt Bronze Ornaments, Coiled Dragon Paperweight & Pair of Divine Bird Figurines, Han Dynasty 202 BCE - 220 CE

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Dimensions: The dragon-shaped paperweight is 7.2 cm (2.83 inches) tall; the single mythical bird is 13.5 cm (5.31 inches) long; the total weight of all three pieces is 734 grams. Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). Condition and Provenance: All three gilded bronze pieces are in excellent condition, without cracks, defects, or signs of later welding repairs. The gilding surface is mostly intact, with only a few areas revealing the naturally worn bronze base. The carved dragon scales and facial features are clear and three-dimensional. The base has solid ancient burial patina without any peeling. The paired mythical birds have clear feather patterns and intact claw structures. The base exhibits a natural blue-green burial patina, without artificial corrosion or chemical cleaning. The back of the dragon base retains the original casting holes and millennia-old soil crust, with clear mold marks. This set of gilded bronzes was unearthed from a Han Dynasty noble tomb in Central China and exported overseas in the early 21st century. It was later acquired by a private bronze collection in California, USA. California was a major global trading center for early Chinese gilt bronze artifacts. Description: This complete three-piece set of Han Dynasty gilt bronze artifacts includes a dragon paperweight and a pair of mythical bird figurines, elegant decorations exclusive to Han Dynasty scholars' studies. The central dragon paperweight sits on a circular base. The dragon is majestic and powerful, its head raised high, mouth agape, its body covered in intricately carved fish scales and thickly gilded. Its bold and powerful lines make it suitable for both holding paper and display. The matching mythical bird has a long beak, a slender body, and clearly defined feather textures. The gilded body and claws are depicted with lifelike detail. In Han Dynasty culture, mythical birds symbolize longevity and good fortune, and a pair of birds further symbolizes harmony and good luck. All objects are cast in bronze and gilded throughout using ancient techniques, fully demonstrating the exquisite alchemy and metal carving skills of the Han Dynasty. Buried underground for thousands of years, these artifacts have developed a rustic patina, blending gold, bronze, turquoise, and other materials. The original casting spacers and mold lines are also well-preserved. Today, pairs of gilded bronze desks from the Han Dynasty are extremely rare. The auspicious combination of dragon and mythical bird embodies rich Han Dynasty rituals, literati culture, and ancient gilding metallurgy research value, making them highly coveted treasures for early North American collectors of Chinese bronzes.

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