Scabbard fitting

Historical period(s)
6th-5th century BCE
Medium
Cast bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 23.2 x 9.8 x 1.7 cm (9 1/8 x 3 7/8 x 11/16 in)
Geography
Northeast China or Southeast Inner Mongolia
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F2001.14a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Weapon and Armament
Type

Weapon: scabbard ornament

Keywords
casting, China, WWII-era provenance
Provenance

To 1946
Mathias Komor, New York. [1]

From 1946 to 2000
Mr. Myron S. Falk, Jr. (1906-1992) and Mrs. Pauline Baerwald Falk (1910-2000), purchased from Mathias Komor, New York in 1946. [2]

2001
Christie's, New York sale, "The Falk Collection I, Important Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art," September 20, 2001, lot no. 177, “A Rare Reticulated Bronze Scabbard Fitting.” [3]

From 2001
Freer Gallery of Art, purchased at auction, Christie’s, New York, September 20, 2001, lot no. 177, through Jim Lally of J. J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art, New York. [4]

[1] Object file, Collections Management Office.

[2] See document dated September 20, 2001, copy in object file, Collections Management Office.

[3] See note 1 and 2.

[4] See note 1 and 2. Also see Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List after 1920 file, Collections Management Office.

Previous Owner(s)

Christie's (New York)
J.J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art
Myron S. Falk, Jr. 1906-1992
Mathias Komor 1909-1984
Pauline Baerwald Falk 1910-2000

Published References
  • Emma C. Bunker. The Art of Eastern Chou, 772-221 BC: A Loan Exhibition. New York. cat. 10.
  • Jenny F. So, Emma C. Bunker. Traders and Raiders on China's Northern Frontier. Exh. cat. Seattle, 1995. pp. 125-126.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use