Description:

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A leaded-bronze figure of Guan Yu seated on waves, clad in ornately decorated armor. His right hand is clenched with a tiny hole, likely once holding a separate polearm. Although some details are softened by age, he is clearly depicted wearing mountain-pattern armor beneath dragon-headed epaulets. The figure is hollow cast, perhaps using the piece-mold method, with encrusted remains inside. Guan Yu (d. 220 CE) was a revered military general at the close of the Han Dynasty, later deified and celebrated for his loyalty and martial prowess. The roiling waves beneath him may symbolize his legendary triumph in a battle where he drowned enemy forces using the Han River. Size: 5.5" L x 3" W x 8" H (14 cm x 7.6 cm x 20.3 cm).

Provenance: private Culver City, California, USA collection

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#191869

  • Condition: Old loss to the base verso, torn and bent inwards. Surface wear and softening to finer details on the face and armor. Some pitting and casting imperfections, but overall good condition.

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March 27, 2025 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000