Copper repoussé with fire gilding
China
Length 12 CM
In archaic style, the lavishly crafted mythical creature is reclining on a rectangular base. Mythical animals are called in China guaishou, here suggesting supernaturalism by the wings; spirals emerge on the front "hips". Partially scaly, many-fold spiral patterns; the attached tail is also a spiral. Partly stronger green patina.
From a Viennese collection