6.7 cm. （2 5/8 in.） wide

Paperweights are scholarly desk objects used to weigh down on paper at the four edges, so as to not interfere with reading, calligraphy and painting. Weights first appeared during the Warring States period and became widely used in the Han dynasty.

Cast bronze objects were initially very much favoured over other materials as they are naturally cumbersome and function well as paperweights, but other materials were introduced at later periods by craftsmen to showcase their creativity and to enhance the visual aesthetic of the object. They were often fashioned in the form of recumbent animals or mythical beasts, and were originally of functional use to weigh down the four-corners of floor-seating mattresses, before gradually transitioning to paperweights for the scholarly use.

Price estimate:
HKD: 500, 000 - 700, 000
USD: 64, 100 - 89, 700

Auction Result:
HKD: --