A RARE GILT-BRONZE ANTHROPOMORPHIC ZODIAC FIGURE OF A DRAGON, TANG DYNASTY

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A RARE GILT-BRONZE ANTHROPOMORPHIC ZODIAC FIGURE OF A DRAGON, TANG DYNASTY Scientific Analysis Report: A report issued by CIRAM Science for Art Cultural Heritage on 31 August 2026, no. 0726-OA-1261J-1, examines a metal sample taken from the base using optical and metallographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The analysis identifies a copper-silver alloy containing zinc and silicon, with no modern elements such as aluminium, chromium, or phosphorus detected. The alloy exhibits significant and deeply penetrating corrosion, with the copper-rich phase preferentially affected and replaced by copper oxides and chlorides, while the silver-rich phase displays fragmentation and irregularity. Numerous microcracks further indicate an advanced stage of natural corrosion resulting from prolonged interaction with a sedimentary environment. The report concludes that the alloy composition, degree of corrosion, origin of the weathering, and nature of the corrosion products are consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. China, 618-906. Finely cast as a human figure with dragon head standing ramrod straight with hands clasped beside the long sleeves of court robes belted at the waist, falling in crisp folds and fanning out over the tips of the shoes. The head rising from an arched neck and terminating in a curved horn, rendered with mouth ajar below almond-shaped eyes and framed by curled eyebrows and lenticular ears. Dimensions: Height 19.2 cm Zodiac figures first appeared during the Han dynasty as artisans began casting representations of the animals in bronze as offerings. From the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534 AD) onwards, the zodiac animals began to be anthropomorphized, such as in the present lot, and often functioned as grave goods. Numerous painted pottery figures of this subject have been excavated in Tang dynasty tombs, however gilt-bronze examples like the present lot are extremely rare. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related bronze figure of a zodiac pig, dated Tang dynasty, 14.5 cm tall, in the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, object number B60B21. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 10 September 2019, lot 64 Price: USD 56,250 or approx. EUR 64,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and gilding, with similar pose, movement of the robe, and size (17.8 cm).

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