Ancient 5th-3rd Century BC Scytho-Siberian Silver Plaque Siberian Scythian

Ancient solid silver belt plaque from the Scytho-Siberian (Siberian Scythian) civilization, dating back to the 5th-3rd century B.C. The plaque is shaped like a crouching feline, possibly a leopard, and has two loops at the back for attachment. The loops are made of silver strips soldered to the plaque's rear. The plaque was cast and then hand-reshaped using the repousse technique. Additionally, it was pierced and chased to create its intricate design.

MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length in a straight line: 7.5cm (2.95 inches).
Width: 3.1 cm (1.22 inches).
Weight: 28 grams.

PROVENANCE: Ex-private Canadian collection.

REFERENCES:
1. "Nomadic Art of the Eastern Eurasian Steppes: The Eugene V. Thaw and other New York Collections" by Emma C. Bunker, James C. Y. Watt, and Zhixin Sun.
2. "Ancient Bronzes of the Eastern Eurasian Steppes" by Emma C. Bunker.
3. "Scythians Warriors of Ancient Siberia."
4. "Traders and Raiders on China's Northern Frontier" by Emma C. Bunker, Jenny F. So.
5. "The Relief Plaques of Eastern Eurasia and China The 'Ordos Bronzes' Peter the Great's Treasure and Their Kin" by John Boardman.
We will provide the buyer with a copy of the pages from the mentioned reference together with a certificate of authenticity.

NOTE: The Scythians were a group of nomadic Indo-European people who originated from Eastern Europe. They occupied a vast geographical area spanning from Eastern Europe to the grasslands of China. They shared a common artistic, cultural, and economic foundation. The art and material culture of the Scythians had a significant influence on ancient Chinese art.