Seven Pre-Qin Bronze Insignia Plaques, 5th–3rd Century BCE

拍品描述

Dimensions & Weight: Longest plaque approximately 5.3 cm / 2.09 inch; shortest plaque approximately 3.2 cm / 1.26 inch; total weight approximately 42 g. The seven pieces vary in size and represent different forms of early Chinese bronze tokens.，Condition & Provenance: Good overall condition. The group retains its original surface with naturally developed green bronze patina, layered mineral deposits, and aged earth traces. The untouched surface preserves the authentic appearance of early Chinese ritual and functional bronze objects. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA.Auction Description: This rare group consists of seven Pre-Qin bronze insignia plaques, including one contract-shaped plaque with two perforations and six curved rectangular plaques with double perforations. Each piece features suspension holes at both ends, indicating their original use as wearable or connected tokens. The front surfaces are decorated with lightly engraved ancient characters in an early regional script style, while the reverse sides remain plain. The simple yet refined casting techniques, combined with naturally developed green patina, highlight the historical character of these early bronze objects. During the Pre-Qin period, bronze plaques such as these served as important symbols of authentication, access control, trade authorization, and contractual verification. A complete group of seven surviving together is especially rare and provides valuable material evidence for the study of early Chinese writing, social systems, and regional bronze culture.Description: This group consists of seven bronze insignia plaques from the Pre-Qin period. The set includes one double-hole contract-shaped plaque and six curved double-hole rectangular plaques, with a total weight of 42 g. The dimensions range from approximately 5.3 cm for the largest piece to 3.2 cm for the smallest. Each plaque has perforations at both ends for suspension or attachment. The surfaces feature lightly engraved ancient characters belonging to early regional script traditions, while the backs remain undecorated. The craftsmanship is concise and practical, with natural green patina covering the surfaces and mineral deposits preserved from their original burial environment. These bronze plaques functioned as ancient credentials used for verification, access, commerce, and contractual purposes. The survival of seven pieces together, with varied forms and inscriptions, makes this group an important reference for collectors and scholars studying Pre-Qin bronze culture and ancient Chinese writing systems.

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