Bidspirit auction | RARE 17th -18th C. CHINESE

RARE 17th -18th C. CHINESE YI (LOLO) PAINTED SHIELD, SICHUAN - Rare Chinese Yi (Nuosu, historically known as Lolo or Luoluo) warrior's shield, Sichuan Province, Qing Dynasty, probably 17th–18th century. Of circular form and substantial traditional construction, the shield is formed from wooden boards with a dark protective backing and reinforced perimeter. The exterior retains striking polychrome decoration in black, yellow and red, arranged as concentric geometric bands of radiating triangular or sunburst motifs surrounding a central circular device. Two concentric reinforcement bands are secured to the face. The reverse reveals the shield's construction particularly well, with multiple wooden sections, a broad reinforced outer perimeter and remnants of the original carrying/arm attachment. The extensive age-related cracking, wear and losses provide a clear view of the underlying construction. The bold geometric decoration and restricted red, yellow and black palette are characteristic of the traditional arms and armor of the Yi/Nuosu peoples of southwestern China, particularly Sichuan. Related Yi armor preserved by the Metropolitan Museum is constructed from wood, leather and lacquer, while another early Yi helmet in the collection is dated possibly to the 17th century. A documented Sichuan Yi shield in the Academia Sinica collection is likewise constructed around a circular wooden board with leather reinforcement around the outer rim. Size: D: 27 1/2”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.