AN UNUSUAL BRONZE FLASK

LATE SPRING AND AUTUMN/EARLY WARRING STATES PERIOD, 6TH-5TH CENTURY BC

Details

AN UNUSUAL BRONZE FLASK
LATE SPRING AND AUTUMN/EARLY WARRING STATES PERIOD, 6TH-5TH CENTURY BC
Of lenticular section, raised on a flared foot, the sides flat-cast with bands of diagonal scroll and interlaced angular dragon scroll encircling the body, with petal-shaped lappets pendent from the upper band, the neck cast below the rim as the mouth and gills of a fish, with an arched dragon-headed handle attached by links to two loops on the shoulder, the shallow conical cover with a small loop suspending a ring, mottled green and azurite encrustation
13 5/8 in. (34.5 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in Hong Kong, 1992.

Exhibited

Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 2002-2006.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

The shape of this unusual flask, with fish-shaped mouth, is similar to that of an example with undecorated body in the Seligman Collection, illustrated by W. Watson, Ancient Chinese Bronzes, pl. 71a. Although missing its cover and handle, it still retains small loops suspending loose rings on the shoulder.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I & II

View All