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Antique
Chinese Gilded Bronze Vessel
Jue
Ritual Tripod
Circa:
Ming-Early Qing, 17th-18th Century
H
5.25 in (13.5cm.), W 4.75" (12cm.), D 2.75" (7cm.)
Condition: Cuprite and malachite patina, gilt loss
The
jue is among the most ancient of Chinese bronzes appearing from the heyday of
the Erlitou type site (c. 1900-1500 BCE) until sometime in the Western Zhou period
(c. 11th century-771 BCE). Stable and graciously proportioned, the jue has three
flared legs that emerge from the base splayed outward with tao t’ie masks in relief
at the waist. The jue was probably for a offering made at a funeral and may have
been used for drinking or libations at the grave during the rite, a custom known
as early as the prehistoric Dawenkou and Longshane culture. ( Fourth to third
millennium BCE) The jue has a rich patina in layers varying from malachite green
to an earthy red with traces of gilding remaining. Private Collection |
