Bidspirit auction | A RARE CHINESE AGATE HELMET

A RARE CHINESE AGATE HELMET WITH GOLD GILT-METAL MOUNTS AND FIGURAL FRIEZES, 18TH CENTURY. - A helmet-form object carved from banded agate, the domed body displaying natural swirling layers of grey, honey, and amber tones. The surface is carved in low relief with a continuous frieze of running animals encircling the lower register. The sides are fitted with hinged cheek guards, each similarly carved with a stylised animal in relief. Gilt-metal mounts, including twin arched bands across the crown and decorative fittings to the sides, provide structural and visual contrast. H: Approximately 16cm