這類鎏金熊是漢代十分重要的藝術品，最著名的是安思遠2015年在紐約佳士得售出的一隻鎏金熊，以及2024年初在巴黎佳士得售出的30萬歐元鎏金熊。
這件坂本五郎的作品貴在鑲嵌綠松石，熊的細節表現也十分有漢代的雕刻特徵，精品且傳承顯赫質量上乘的鎏金熊存世量十分稀少。
50.4万成交
45000，50000现场，55000，60000书面，竞争非常激烈已经17万现场，19万carrie，20万，22万，24万线上，25万carrie，26万，接下来是28万，十分激烈啊。。。 熊是贵起来了。32万carrie，35rubie，40万，42万vivian电话，166号牌。
專場成交細節紀錄參考：
巴黎佳士得 2024 / 鎏金熊
Gilt bears of this type are very important artefacts of the Han dynasty, most notably a gilt bear sold by Robert H. Ellsworth at Christie's New York in 2015 and a €300,000 gilt bear sold at Christie's Paris in early 2024.
This work by Sakamoto Goro is characterised by its turquoise inlay and the detailing of the bear, which is very characteristic of Han carving, making it a rare example of a gilt bear of the finest quality and with a distinguished provenance.
漢 銅鎏金嵌綠松石小熊飾件 （坂本五郎）
A turquoise-inlaid gilt-bronze 'bear' fitting,
Han dynasty
cast hollow with an aperture from the top of the head to the base, the beast rendered crouching and gently leaning forward with the jaws opened wide, further portrayed with both front paws resting on the knees, the body finely incised with fur and invalid with small turquoise beads
h. 7 cm
October 29, 11:00 AM HKT
Estimate
20,000 - 40,000 HKD
安思遠的熊：
FAQ: Gilt-Bronze Bear Sculptures from the Han Dynasty
1. What is the significance of gilt-bronze bear sculptures from the Han Dynasty?
Gilt-bronze bears are highly significant artifacts from the Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220). They represent the artistic skill and cultural beliefs of the era. Bears held a prominent place in Chinese mythology and symbolism, often associated with military prowess, shamanism, and immortality. They were believed to be connected to the legendary Yellow Emperor and the mythological forefather of the Xia Dynasty, Yu the Great.
2. Are there any notable examples of Han Dynasty gilt-bronze bear sculptures?
Yes, there are a couple of highly noteworthy examples:
The Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Bear: This exceptional bear was auctioned at Christie's New York on March 15, 2015, achieving a remarkable price of USD 2,853,000.
The Eskenazi Gilt-Bronze Bear: This bear, formerly in the collection of the renowned art dealer Giuseppe Eskenazi, was sold at Christie's Paris in early 2024 for €300,000 (approximately 2,350,000 CNY).
3. What are the typical characteristics of these Han Dynasty bear sculptures?
While many Han-dynasty bear sculptures depict bears in alert or ferocious poses, the Ellsworth and Eskenazi bears are unique in their relaxed naturalism. They depict a bear seated on its haunches, scratching behind its ear with its tongue slightly protruding. This relaxed pose is rare for Han Dynasty bear sculptures, which typically present the bears with wide eyes and open mouths, as if ready to defend themselves.
The bears are also notable for their detailed craftsmanship. They were likely created using the lost-wax casting method, with incised details representing fur. The sculptures were then gilded, likely through a process called fire-gilding, where an amalgam of gold and mercury is applied to the surface and heated, leaving behind a layer of gold.
4. What was the likely purpose of these bear sculptures?
These small bear sculptures likely served as weights for mats. In ancient China, gentlemen would use mats for seating while reading, studying, or conversing outdoors. Animal-shaped weights were attached to the corners of the mats to prevent them from folding or blowing away in the wind.
5. Is there a connection between bears and virility in ancient Chinese culture?
Interestingly, the words for “bear” and “virility” are homonyms in both modern and ancient Chinese, both being pronounced "xiong." This linguistic connection suggests a symbolic link between bears and masculinity, potentially contributing to the bear's significance as a totemic emblem.
6. Why is there less appreciation for sculptures among Mainland Chinese art collectors?
The author of the pre-sale notes observes that Mainland Chinese art collectors tend to focus on porcelain and ceramics, likely due to the influence of the prevalent art market. They haven't been as exposed to sculptures and might not fully grasp their artistic and historical value. The author contrasts this with France, a country where sculpture is more deeply appreciated and where prominent sculptors like Auguste Rodin are widely celebrated.
7. Was the Eskenazi Gilt-Bronze Bear likely to be purchased by a Mainland Chinese collector?
The pre-sale notes suggest it was unlikely that the Eskenazi bear would be purchased by a Mainland Chinese collector. This is attributed to two main factors:
Market Trends: Mainland Chinese collectors tend to favor porcelain and ceramics, showing less interest in sculptures.
Superstition: The challenging economic environment at the time of the sale led many Mainland Chinese investors to avoid purchasing "bear" imagery due to superstitious beliefs.
8. What is the significance of the turquoise inlay in the Sakamoto Goro gilt-bronze bear fitting?
The turquoise inlay in the Sakamoto Goro bear fitting adds to its artistic value and rarity. Turquoise was a precious material in ancient China, often associated with protection and good fortune. Its inclusion elevates the bear's aesthetic appeal and suggests a higher level of craftsmanship.
Timeline of Events
Pre-1980: The Han Dynasty Gilt-Bronze Bear (hereafter referred to as "The Bear") exists as part of an unknown collection.
1980, July 11 - July 25: The Bear, as part of the Wessen and other collections, is exhibited at Eskenazi Ltd. in London.
1980, November: Hugh Scott, a United States Senator from Washington, acquires The Bear from the Parisian antique dealer Christian Deydier.
1985, December 10-11: The Bear is exhibited at Oriental Bronzes Ltd. / Christian Deydier in London as part of an exhibition titled "Chinese Gold, Silver and Gilt Bronze up to the Tang Dynasty."
2015, March 15: A Han Dynasty Gilt-Bronze Bear from the Robert Hatfield Ellsworth collection (hereafter referred to as "The Ellsworth Bear") is sold at Christie's New York for $2,853,000.
2024, Early: The Bear is sold at Christie's Paris for €300,000 (approximately 2,350,000 RMB). The buyer is not believed to be from Mainland China.
2023, October 29: A turquoise-inlaid gilt-bronze bear fitting from the Han Dynasty, once owned by Sakamoto Goro, is scheduled to be auctioned at an unspecified location.
Cast of Characters
The Bear: A Han Dynasty Gilt-Bronze Bear weight, likely used to hold down the corners of bamboo mats. The Bear is noted for its relaxed pose and naturalistic style.
The Ellsworth Bear: Another Han Dynasty Gilt-Bronze Bear, notable for its high auction price in 2015. It serves as a comparison point to The Bear in terms of style and value.
Hugh Scott: A former United States Senator from Washington who owned The Bear from 1980 until an unknown date.
Christian Deydier: A Parisian antique dealer who sold The Bear to Hugh Scott in 1980. Deydier also exhibited The Bear in 1985.
Robert Hatfield Ellsworth: An American collector of Asian art whose collection included a Han Dynasty Gilt-Bronze Bear. "The Ellsworth Bear," was auctioned in 2015 for a significant sum.
Sakamoto Goro: A Japanese art collector whose former collection includes a turquoise-inlaid gilt-bronze bear fitting from the Han Dynasty. This piece is scheduled to be auctioned in October 2024.
Eskenazi Ltd.: An art gallery in London that specializes in Asian art. They exhibited The Bear in 1980.
Oriental Bronzes Ltd.: An art gallery in London that exhibited The Bear in 1985.
Christie's: The auction took place in Paris
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