143 - AN ‘ADDORSING STAGS’ BRONZE BELT PLAQUE, ORDOS, 2ND-1ST CENTURY BC

AN ‘ADDORSING STAGS’ BRONZE BELT PLAQUE, ORDOS, 2ND-1ST CENTURY BC From the steppes of northern China and its border regions, in what is today southern Siberia or western Inner Mongolia. Of rectangular form, crisply cast in openwork with two addorsed ibexes standing in profile, their bodies strongly arched and legs extended in opposing directions. Each animal is modeled with a long tapering muzzle, pointed ears, and dramatically swept-back antlers branching into stylized leaf-shaped tines. Their intertwined forms create a compact, rhythmic composition, enclosed within a rectangular border articulated with geometric compartments. The surface displays a dark brown patina with lighter earthen encrustations highlighting the recessed details. The reverse is fitted with two loop-cord attachments to the edges. Provenance: Collection of Dr. Helmut Ploog, Munich, Germany. Dr. Helmut Ploog (1940-2024) was among the most influential and respected graphologists in the German-speaking world. Over the course of a distinguished career as an expert witness, educator, and author, he published a series of seminal works that are now regarded as standard references in the study of handwriting and character analysis. Beyond his professional achievements, Ploog cultivated a deep commitment to the arts. He assembled a notable collection of Asian art, including significant Chinese, Japanese and Thai works. He donated part of his collection, among them several important Khmer sculptures, to the Weltmuseum in Vienna. Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Old wear, casting irregularities, small losses, age cracks, nicks and rubbing, corrosion, signs of weathering, and encrustations. The bronze with a naturally grown patina with extensive malachite encrustations. Weight: 201.6 g Dimensions: Length 13.3 cm Literature comparison: Compare a closely related bronze belt plaque, Southern Siberia or Western Inner Mongolia, dated to the 4 th century BC, 11.4 cm long, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.76.97.562. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Boisgirard Antonini Paris, 5 June 2013, lot 48 Mid-Estimate: EUR 9,500 or approx. EUR 12,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: Plaque ajourée aux deux bouquetins opposes, Ordos, Steppes chinoises, IIIe -IIe siècle av. J.-C. Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, subject, and decoration. Note the size (13.5 cm).