Chinese Archaistic Bronze Bird Zun Ritual Vessel
An exceptional Chinese archaistic bronze ritual wine vessel (zun), featuring an elaborate bird-form composition mounted on two intricately cast openwork ceremonial wheels. Inspired by ancient Chinese Shang and Zhou dynasty ritual bronzes, the vessel displays a striking sculptural form with a stylized bird's head, pronounced beak, expressive eyes, and finely articulated plumage. The cylindrical pouring vessel rises from the bird's back, embellished with raised mythical animal motifs, while the elaborate spoked wheels feature intricate geometric ornamentation and remnants of gilt-toned decoration. The richly patinated bronze exhibits deep olive-green and brown tones with contrasting golden highlights, creating an impressive example of Chinese archaistic decorative metalwork. Age and period unverified. Measures: 3-1/2” H x 3-1/4” W x 2” D. Provenance: From the Estate of Carmine Vito ‘Tod’ Todisco (1930–2025), founder and CEO of Northern Plastics Corp., a Syracuse-area manufacturer specializing in fiberglass furniture and commercial products.
[ translate ]An exceptional Chinese archaistic bronze ritual wine vessel (zun), featuring an elaborate bird-form composition mounted on two intricately cast openwork ceremonial wheels. Inspired by ancient Chinese Shang and Zhou dynasty ritual bronzes, the vessel displays a striking sculptural form with a stylized bird's head, pronounced beak, expressive eyes, and finely articulated plumage. The cylindrical pouring vessel rises from the bird's back, embellished with raised mythical animal motifs, while the elaborate spoked wheels feature intricate geometric ornamentation and remnants of gilt-toned decoration. The richly patinated bronze exhibits deep olive-green and brown tones with contrasting golden highlights, creating an impressive example of Chinese archaistic decorative metalwork. Age and period unverified. Measures: 3-1/2” H x 3-1/4” W x 2” D. Provenance: From the Estate of Carmine Vito ‘Tod’ Todisco (1930–2025), founder and CEO of Northern Plastics Corp., a Syracuse-area manufacturer specializing in fiberglass furniture and commercial products.
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