A Pair of Banded Agate Hoof‑Shaped Rings,Han Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions:Diameter 5.5cm(2‑1/8in),Total Weight 49gCondition & Provenance:This matched pair of Han‑dynasty agate rings remains intact with no heavy breaks,modern fills or restorations,both hoops keep their original thick hoof‑style cross‑section entirely untouched.One ring displays spectacular layered banded agate with rich swirling striations in fiery red,orange,cream and deep brown‑black tones,the other carries natural dark moss‑like dendritic mineral inclusions floating within its translucent amber‑hued matrix,those natural internal mineral features are inherent stone characteristics mixed with subtle ancient burial residues,not post‑collection damage.The inner and outer circumferential surfaces retain soft,flowing hand‑polished finishes from ancient lapidary work,you can observe fine faint rotational grinding traces left by antique carving tools,paired with smooth silky wear patina built up from centuries of handling and burial.There are scattered tiny natural mineral pinprick spots and minor micro‑surface abrasions consistent with genuine ancient usage,no harsh modern nicks or machine‑polished over‑gloss present.These two rings were formerly part of a respected California private ancient stone‑artifact collection assembled throughout the 1990s,the prior collector obtained this pair through a well‑established Los‑Angeles‑based Asian antiquities dealer and the set has stayed within the same private family without re‑working for decades;now this wonderful matching pair appears on public auction for the first time.Description:This is a fine matched pair of Han‑dynasty banded agate hoof‑shaped rings,expertly cut from natural banded agate stone.Each piece is crafted into the classic thick hoof‑style ring profile,with rounded outer rims and smoothly finished inner aperture,formally known as an “archer’s ring” or decorative collar ring in Han‑period material culture.The first ring boasts stunning concentric layered banding,showing vivid flowing color striations that swirl naturally across the whole surface;its companion ring features dramatic dendritic moss‑type inclusions floating within warm translucent agate,creating spontaneous ink‑wash‑like natural patterns that ancient artisans highly valued for ornamental appeal.These rings served as high‑status wearable ornaments for Han‑era nobility,worn as personal adornment or fitted onto textile garments and ceremonial accessories.Cutting and polishing hard agate to achieve this uniform thick rounded cross‑section demanded tremendous time‑consuming lapidary skill.Representative matched pairs of Han agate hoof rings are quite scarce within today’s antique marketplace,most surviving examples come as single isolated pieces only.

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