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an old bronze bowl with two handles on a white backgrounda large bronze bowl with two elephants on ita large bronze pot with two handles on a white surfacea black bowl that is sitting on a white surface
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117 - CHINA – Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): A ‘gui’ food vessel in bro…
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Estimate €3,000 - €5,000
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Description
CHINA – Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): A ‘gui’ food vessel in bronze with a brown patina; the body is decorated with chiselled lozenges containing quadrangular scrollwork and surmounted at the top by a frieze of intricate leiwen, whilst the lower part is adorned with small scrolls. The upper parts of the two handles are shaped like phoenix heads, with the handles curving outwards in a hook-like shape. Inside, there is an inscription in archaic characters. (Restoration and impact damage to the body). H. 13 cm. L. 26 cm. Diameter 18.5 cm. Reference: A similar piece from the Shang period (c. 1500 – c. 1050 BC) held at the Cernuschi Museum, Paris, no. M.C. 8759. This bronze incense burner draws directly on the ritual forms of the Shang period (16th–11th century BC); it is a reinterpretation of archaic models characteristic of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), a period during which bronze smiths revived ancient forms whilst incorporating a freer and more ornamental decorative style. This piece, intended for domestic altars or scholars’ studies, bears witness to the Ming’s pronounced taste for archaism, inspired more by the aesthetics of ancient bronzes than by a faithful reproduction of ancient prototypes. Expert: Cabinet Portier
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About the sale Paintings, Furniture & Works of Art
Auction location
Auction time 09/25/2026 at 10:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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