Copper-alloy phoenix, probably an oil lamp, China, Warring Kingdoms period, 403-221 B.C. The phoenix stands on a slightly domed, openwork circular base formed by four dragons with realistic heads and sinuous bodies harmoniously intertwined, the tails rising on two sturdy legs with powerful talons. The wings are outstretched, the head features a wide, open beak and two stylized ears behind two raised, underlined eyes. The plumage on the bird's body is finely rendered. A cylindrical section rises from the bird's back, curving forward to rest on a hoopoe at the back of the phoenix's skull. Its open end forms a small hollow receptacle with a tenon, the upper part of which is missing. Height: 17.5 cm; weight: 1680 g Wooden base. Provenance : - Former Evrard de Rouvre collection (1923-1979). By descent. With the collector's handwritten notes. - According to the collector's handwritten notes, acquired from Galerie C. T. Loo in 1958.