Antique Chinese Bronze Ceremonial Vessel
Water Dragons
Trapezoid Shaped Wine Pot
Circa: Early Qing, 16th-17th Century
H 8.5 in.(21 cm), W 6.5 in.(16.5cm), D 3.5 in.(9 cm)
Condition:minor chip on base, overall very good!
The distinctive form of this bronze vessel is ingeniously designed with a flaring trapezoid rim, four rhombus
corners gradually tapered into a swelling round paunch above a circular base, with two stylized water dragons pouring
out wave curves that served as side handles, completed with plantain leaves on four side, elaborately decorated with
taotie masks, bearing the I-Ching Hexagrams "Li" and "Kan" (Fire and Water) amid the interlocking hooks motif, which
repeats in a flat band around the paunch. Considering that the flowing contours exemplifies Ming transition in its
preference, the intricate ornamentation is likely a revival of the archaic Chinese design. Along with the smooth,
dark patina mottled with traces of malachite on this bronze, we attributed the vessel was made in the early Qing Period.
Sold to Private Collection