Chinese Archaic Bronze Dragon-Form Guang Ritual Vessel And Cover

Keywords: Ritual Wine Vessel, Verdigris Patina, Taotie Motif, Ancient Style, Asian Decorative Arts, Mythological Beast, Cast Metal

Summary:
Large Chinese archaistic bronze guang-form ritual vessel with fitted cover, modeled in the form of an elongated mythological dragon or horned beast. The vessel features a raised head with prominent horns, open mouth and teeth, with the body and cover decorated throughout with archaistic geometric and stylized motifs. Raised on a shaped foot and displaying an extensive green and brown verdigris patina.

Guang-form vessels originated during China’s ancient Shang Dynasty (circa 16th–11th century BC) and were traditionally used for holding and pouring wine during ritual ceremonies and ancestral offerings. This example is made in the archaistic tradition and is not represented as dating to the ancient Shang period.

Extensive surface oxidation, corrosion, encrustation and areas of deterioration consistent with age and use.

Measurement: 7 1/2 x 17 x 6 in. (19.1 x 43.2 x 15.2 cm.) approx

Condition
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