A PAIR OF XIONGNU-STYLE BRONZE HORSE-HEAD PLAQUES, NORTHWEST CHINA, 3RD–1ST CENTURY BC

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A PAIR OF XIONGNU-STYLE BRONZE HORSE-HEAD PLAQUES, NORTHWEST CHINA, 3RD–1ST CENTURY BC Each of elliptical form with almond-shaped eyes, ears and nostrils, their jaws slightly raised, and each with a loop to the reverse. The bronze with a beautiful, naturally grown patina with areas of malachite encrustations. (2) Expert’s note: The stylized treatment of the horse heads reflects the artistic traditions of the Eurasian steppe and shows particularly close affinities with Xiongnu art. While the Xiongnu were distinct from the Scythians, their material culture formed part of the broader artistic environment associated with the Scytho-Siberian animal style, characterized by highly stylized animal imagery and extensively employed for horse trappings, weapons, and personal ornaments. Dimensions: Length 10.6 cm and 10.3 cm (excl. stand), 19.8 cm (incl. stand) Fitted on an ‘Alan Hartman’ velvet stand. (2) The two plaques are stylized representations of the opposing sides of a horse’s head, modeled in relief with prominently rounded cheeks, projecting eyes, and recessed nostrils and ears. A repeated petal-shaped motif defines the principal facial features, while a horizontal loop on the reverse allowed each plaque to be securely attached. Such fittings were most likely mounted as decorative elements on horse harness or other equestrian equipment, where paired plaques would have formed part of a symmetrically arranged ensemble. Literature comparison: Compare a near-identical pair of bronze horse-head plaques from Northwest China, dated to the 3rd–1st century BC and measuring 10.5 cm in width, illustrated by Tina Pang, Treasures of the Eurasian Steppes: Animal Art from 800 BC to 200 AD, Ariadne Galleries, New York, 1998, no. 88. The author notes the distinctive petal-shaped treatment of the facial features as revealing Xiongnu influence. Auction result comparison: Type: Near-identical Auction: Bonhams London, 13 May 2025, lot 415 Mid-estimate: GBP 3,500 or approx. EUR 4,200 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the identical subject and size.

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