CHINESE HAN DYNASTY BRONZE AND IRON DING VESSEL

C. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. A bronze and iron tripod, generally known as a ding. The object comprises a hemispherical bronze body with an in-stepped rim, and a raised horizontal rib below the rim. Three iron legs attach just below this rib, while shelved rim and two rectangular handles; two sub-rectangular lug handles attach to just above its same rib. A domed lid serves to seal the vessel. This beautiful Ding may have been used for ritual banqueting among the aristocracy of the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC - 220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. Good condition. Provenance: Important estate collection from Oxfordshire; formed in the 1970s-2000. Size: L:235mm / W:260mm ; 2.15kg