Han Dynasty|The circular plaque finely decorated with floral petals and lozenges within beaded borders enclosing abstract cloud scrolls, a separate finial in the form of a bear mask detailed with bulging eyes, upright ears and mane, crouching on its claws, stand. 10.8cm (4 1/4in) diam. (3).|漢 銅鎏金羆首飾件Provenance: Robert Hatfield Ellsworth (1929-2014)Sotheby's New York, The Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Collection: Chinese Archaic & Gilt Bronzes, 19 March 2002, lot 148來源： 安思遠先生(1929-2014)舊藏2002年3月19日於紐約蘇富比「The Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Collection: Chinese Archaic & Gilt Bronzes(安思遠珍藏中國高古及鎏金銅器)」專場拍賣，拍品148號Bears were powerful symbols of strength and bravery during the Han dynasty, when they also appear to have been linked to beliefs concerning the attainment of Immortality. In this context, bears were amongst the real and imaginary creatures frolicking on the Immortal islands depicted on a variety of vessels and relief carvings excavated from Han burials. See J.Lagerway, Early Chinese Religion. Part One: Shang through Han (1250 BC-220 AD), Boston, 2008.