EASTERN HAN DYNASTY (25-220)

Bronze vessels of this unusual and graceful shape are quite rare, and a gilt-bronze example especially so. A bronze example of the same size, but with some abstract detailing to the head was included in the exhibition, Bestiaire, Beurdeley & cie, Paris, March 1993, no. 15. Sir Percival David in 'Hsiang and His Album', T.O.C.S., 1933-34, vol. 11, pp. 22-47, reproduces, pl. XVIII, fig. 29, a page from the album that illustrates a bronze vessel of this form and a later 'black ding' rendition. The drawing of the vessel on the left is from the Xuanhe bogu tulu (Illustrated Description of Antiquities in the Imperial Collection in the Xuanhe period (1119-26), compiled by Wang Fu), vol. XII, no. 38, showing that as early as the Song dynasty vessels of this form had been excavated.

A black pottery jar of this form was sold in these rooms, 2 December 1986, lot 11.