LATE SPRING AND AUTUMN PERIOD, 6TH CENTURY BC

Details

A BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL AND COVER, HU
LATE SPRING AND AUTUMN PERIOD, 6TH CENTURY BC
The pear-shaped vessel is cast in intaglio with a band of feline figures facing in the same direction interrupted by two loop handles on the shoulder below a band of interlocking bird scroll on the neck. A third loop handle is on the lower body below a band of dense interlocking bird and dragon scroll, and detached lappets formed by confronted dragons pendent from a raised band. The slightly domed cover has two small loops suspending loose rings and is cast in the center with an interlocking dragon medallion encircled by a band of further interlocking dragons. The surface has a mottled light-green patina with areas of malachite encrustation.
11 ¾ in. (29.8 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in New Jersey, 1999.

Lot Essay

Similar pendent lappets formed by confronted dragons can be seen on the sides of a ding, also dated to the late Spring and Autumn period, 6th century BC, illustrated by J. So in Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. III, New York, 1995, pp. 114-15, no. 9.

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