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Asian Art

Auction begins to close:
December 04, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 53

Lot 53

A Bronze Crossbow Mechanism, Nu, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)

A Bronze Crossbow Mechanism, Nu, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)
Lot 53 Details
A Bronze Crossbow Mechanism, Nu, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)

汉 青铜弩机

With moving parts, covered overall in heavy verdigris patina
7.1 x 4.9 in — 18 x 12.5 cm

Estimate $4,000-$6,000

Realised: $3,750
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
A Bronze Crossbow Mechanism, Nu, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)
  • A Bronze Crossbow Mechanism, Nu, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)
  • A Bronze Crossbow Mechanism, Nu, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)
  • A Bronze Crossbow Mechanism, Nu, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)
Provenance:

Important Archaic Bronzes and Chinese Jades from the Collection of Albert Y.P. Lee and Sara K.S. Lee
来源:李尔白及骆桂生伉俪珍藏重要青铜器及玉器

Albert Y.P. Lee (1930-2021) was the son of Li Yingshuan (1911-1972), a major donor of archaic Chinese bronzes to the Shanghai Museum in 1979. Li Yingshuan was the grandnephew of Li Hongzhang (1823-1901), the prominent statesman, general and diplomat of the late Qing dynasty. Albert Y.P. Lee opened “Far East Gallery” in Yorkville, Toronto, during the early 1970s until the 1990s.
李尔白(1930-2021)为著名金石鉴藏家李荫轩(1911-1972)之子。李荫轩先生为晚清重臣李鸿章(1823-1901)侄孙,其部分高古青铜器珍藏于1979年捐赠予上海博物馆,成为现藏于上博的重要珍器。李尔白先生曾在1970年至1990年间于多伦多市中心约克维尔运营’远东艺廊’。李尔白先生好古敏求,所集成此组珍贵高古青铜器及玉器展现出其一生对中国古史笃行不倦的追求。

Note:

Compare with a similar excavated crossbow trigger mechanism from the Han dynasty, in the Suide County Museum, Shaanxi province, illustrated in "Bronzes from Northern Shaanxi, Volume IV", Chengdu, 2009, p.641, accession no.TD414.
类似一例出土汉代青铜弩机请参考陕西绥德县博物馆,藏品编号TD414. 出版陕西北部出土青铜器第六卷,成都,2009年,第641页

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 53
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.