The Yayishanzhai Collection
雅宜山齋藏珍
(Lots 1001 - 1070)
雅宜山齋藏珍
(Lots 1001 - 1070)
Lot 1039
TWO BRONZE 'TAOTIE-MASK' ORNAMENTS Warring States Period - Western Han Dynasty
Ending from 20 November 2025, 14:00 HKT
Online, Hong KongHK$5,000 - HK$10,000
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Amethyst Chau
Senior Specialist
Tracy Hui
Associate Specialist / Senior Sale Coordinator
TWO BRONZE 'TAOTIE-MASK' ORNAMENTS
Warring States Period - Western Han Dynasty
6.1 cm and 4.6 cm wide (2).
6.1 cm and 4.6 cm wide (2).
Footnotes
戰國至西漢 銅饕餮紋鋪首 一組兩件
The present pair of ornaments meticulously cast in high relief with the 'taotie-mask'. Though the decoration differs slightly, both feature imposing and fierce faces of the beast. Their eyes are wide and fiery, their fangs exposed and menacing, while symmetrical swirl patterns adorn their foreheads. The overall design exudes both solemn dignity and a sense of mystery.
As a important motif of Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes, the taotie design evolved toward stylization by the Warring States and Western Han periods. Yet its original religious significance, warding off evil and averting calamity, persisted. Mounted atop doorways, these door knockers served not only as functional fasteners but also embodied ancient beliefs in protecting homes and courtyards. They stand as exemplary architectural components that seamlessly blend practical utility with spiritual significance.
此兩件鋪首採用高浮雕技法精鑄而成，紋飾稍有不同，但主體紋飾均為威嚴獰厲的饕餮獸面。其雙目圓睜如炬，獠牙外露森然，額頂飾以對稱的卷雲紋樣，整體造型既彰顯莊重肅穆之氣度，又蘊含神秘深邃之韻味。
作為商周青銅器之典型紋飾，饕餮紋發展至戰國西漢時期雖已漸趨程式化，然其驅邪禳災的原始宗教意涵仍得以延續。此類鋪首裝置於門戶之上，不僅具備實際的門環固定功能，更深層次地體現了古代鎮宅護院的信仰觀念，實為實用性與精神性完美結合的建築構件典範。