NEW YORK, NY.- A specially-curated 8-lot sale of Chinese Art titled “Eight Treasures From a Private American Collection” rang up a total of $432,500 at Bonhams this afternoon. Strong interest and enthusiastic produced a 100% white glove sale.

The auction consisted of eight extremely rare Warring States, Han and Tang dynasty bronzes that were originally created for members of the elite class of Chinese society. The top lot was a rare gold and silver inlaid-bronze garment hook, daigou, from the Eastern Zhou-Warring States period that sold for $245,000. The extraordinary belt hook is superbly cast and is unusually large. The contours of the tiger’s form are highlighted by intricate silver and gold inlay set flush with bronze. This belt hook is an exquisite example of Warring States Period bronze design and technology. During this period, the highest quality adornments were created as luxury items for members of the elite; bronze ornaments stood as dazzling symbols of the individual power of royalty and nobility.

More highlights include:

· A gilt bronze support fitting from the Han dynasty that once served as the foot for a vessel or small piece of furniture that realized $52,500, 1.75 times the high estimate. The fitting is exquisitely sculpted as realistic figure of a bear, originally inlaid with semi-precious stones, as a symbol of strength in Han visual culture.

· A rare silvered and gilt bronze horse harness ornament, xingye from the Tang dynasty that achieved $40,000, over 3 times the high estimate. The ornament is finely-cast in the shape of an apricot leaf with scrolling borders enclosing a central figure of a flying horse. Apricot-form ornaments such as this were produced in large sets to hang pendant from the leather harnesses of horses ridden by Tang royalty, aristocrats and high-ranking officials. The fine quality of the casting and the elegant design of this xingye suggest that it was made for a particularly privileged individual. Few pieces like this have come to auction recently in the West.

·A rare cast bronze finial, Warring States period that fetched $25,000. Formed as a mythical bird in a resting pose, the present fitting is unique in its depiction of a resting hawk with crossed wings and fanciful protruding beak.

Dessa Goddard, Vice President and Director of Asian Works of Art at Bonhams in North America says, “This was an exceptional group of objects which offer great insight into the creativity of the late Warring States and Han dynasty ruling elite. Pieces like these rarely come to the market and the enthusiastic response they received in the saleroom was extremely encouraging.”

The next Chinese Art sale will be held in September of 2015.