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BRONZE BOWL
Late Warring States to early Western Han period
3rd century BC
China
This unusual group of vessels represents a tour
de force in ancient Chinese bronze casting. They
relate stylistically and technically to artistic
developments that took place in the southern regions
of China in the Chu, late Warring states and early
western Han periods. The group consists of a steamer
(Xian), a bulb mouth Hu wine vessel and a bowl (Jian).
The restrained classical forms are enlivened with
rich gilded surfaces and vigorous silver inlaid
designs.
The bowl is a classic shape with an averted rim,
two ring-shaped handles and a rounded bottom (which
could be used for both warm food and wine). The
upper portion of the vessel and handles have been
mercury gilded and below are three bands of inlaid
decoration, the middle band depicting eight double
bird motifs between the upper and lower registers
that carry a zigzag design.
A careful examination of the vessels ornamentation
and workmanship reveals an inlay technique not hitherto
described - and a degree of inventiveness that must
have demanded serious collaboration between artists,
designers and foundry specialists.
The inlay material has been
scientifically identified as silver amalgam by W.T.Chase
of the Arthur M Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery
of Art, Dr. Peter Northover of Cambridge University
and Dr. Nigel Seely of the Instute of Archaeology,
London University.
Steamer: Height 13.3 cm (5 ¼") Width: 23.3 cm (9
1/8")
Boiler: Height 13.4 cm (5 ¼") Width 23.5 cm (9 ¼")
Total combined height: 23.5 cm (9 ¼")
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