AN ARCHAISTIC FIRE-GILT COPPER REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF A DRAGON China, style of the Tang dynasty - dating to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1912) or slightly later. The mythical beast in a seated position with its four sturdy legs tucked underneath its body, a bifurcated bushy tail, a distinctly ribbed chest, prominent snout with the mouth agape, displaying its sharp teeth, framed by a long beard and with a pair of elegantly curved horns. The figure decorated with archaistic patterns. Condition: Good condition with minor traces of wear and age, rubbing to the gilt, and certain areas of malachite, azurite, and cuprite encrustations. Provenance: Estate of Wolfgang Zacke (1942-2022), co-founder of Galerie Zacke, thence by descent. Acquired in the Hong Kong antiques market in the early 1990s. Weight: 128 g Dimensions: Length 8.8 cm, Height 11.1 cm

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.