The Yayishanzhai Collection
雅宜山齋藏珍
(Lots 1001 - 1070)
雅宜山齋藏珍
(Lots 1001 - 1070)
Lot 1051
A BRONZE 'DRAGON' HORSE CHANFRONS Warring States Period
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
A BRONZE 'DRAGON' HORSE CHANFRONS
Warring States Period
9.5 cm diam.
9.5 cm diam.
Footnotes
戰國 銅蟠螭紋當盧
The present lot features a uniformly circular form, with four exquisitely crafted ring-shaped handles evenly distributed around its circumference. These handles allow the bit to be securely fastened to the horse's forehead using leather straps or ropes. The primary decoration comprises two concentric layers: the central area is encircled by an exquisite shell pattern, where the shell motifs are arranged in a tightly ordered, geometric formation, presenting a sense of rigorous geometric beauty. while the periphery features eight pairs of intertwined chilong facing each other. Each pair exhibits meticulously rendered scales and claws, their bodies coiling and twisting to create a dynamic interplay within the confined space, showcasing rich layering and movement.
The horse chanfrons was a bronze plaque worn on the forehead of ancient horses, serving as a crucial ornament to signify the status, prestige, and aesthetic taste of the chariot or rider. During the Warring States period, chariots symbolized military might and power. The sophistication and ornamentation of horse tack fully reflected the aesthetic preferences and social standing of the aristocratic class at that time.
此當盧整體呈規整的圓形，器身四周均勻分佈四個精巧的環耳，可通過革帶或繩索牢固地固定于馬首額前。主體紋飾分為內外兩層：中央區域環繞一周精美的貝紋，貝形圖案排列緊密有序，呈現出嚴謹的幾何美感；週邊裝飾塑造有八組兩兩相對的蟠螭紋，每組螭龍身體蜿蜒交纏，龍首相對而視，鱗爪細節刻畫細膩入微，在有限的空間內展現出豐富的層次感與動態美感。
當盧是古代馬匹額頭正中佩戴的一塊青銅飾牌，是彰顯馬車或騎乘者身份、地位與審美品味的重要裝飾物。戰國時期，戰車作為軍事與權力的象徵，馬具的精良程度與裝飾性充分反映了當時貴族階層的審美取向與身份地位。