An Unusual Bronze Spherical Covered Tripod Vessel, Dui

WARRING STATES PERIOD (475-221 BC)

Details

An Unusual Bronze Spherical Covered Tripod Vessel, Dui
Warring States period (475-221 BC)
The hemispherical vessel and cover both applied with a pair of small loop handles and three scroll supports formed by muscular dragons standing on their heads, their bodies decorated with fine scroll patterns, the cover with the addition of three small animal-mask tabs at the rim and a whorl medallion decorating the top between the supports, with mottled silvery patina and light cuprite and lapis encrustation
9¼in. (23.5cm.) high, fitted wood box

Provenance

Acquired in July 1990.

Lot Essay

Compare the dui with similar dragon supports reportedly from Anhui Shou Xian Xhujiaji and dated to the 2nd half of the 3rd century BC illustrated by J. So, Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, 1995, vol. III, p. 69, fig. 126. And another very similar example in the Royal Ontario Museum was included in the exhibition, The Art of Eastern Chou, 772-221 BC, Chinese Art Society of America, 1962, no. 49.

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