Liao‑Jin Dynasty Silver Alms‑Bowl With Scrolling Grass Pattern

拍品描述

Dimensions: 31.5 cm (12.40 in) in diameter, 17.5 cm (6.89 in) in height, 1950 g. Period: 10th-13th century. Condition and Provenance: This heavy, hand-hammered silver alms bowl is in excellent condition, without dents, perforations, or signs of later welding repairs. The bowl has a rounded body and a thick rim, retaining its original shape. The continuous scrollwork above the rim is clearly visible, and the fine engraving lines are preserved. The exterior of the bowl is covered with a thick layer of ancient silver patina, with green copper patina spots scattered along the rim due to long-term burial wear. The interior shows multiple layers of old wear, residual mineral crust, and an iridescent sheen formed over centuries. The base bears the original inscription and scattered traces of burial oxidation. This bowl has not undergone modern polishing, re-engraving, or artificial coloring. All hammer marks and hand imprints are clearly visible. This important silver piece comes from a highly respected private collector in Uptown New York City, specializing in medieval metalwork from northern nomadic peoples. Acquired in the mid-1980s by a prominent New York Asian art dealer, it has remained in the possession of the same private collector ever since. Original acquisition documents, restoration records, and archival photographs are fully preserved, and it is categorized as a Liao-Jin dynasty ritual silver object. Its complete provenance is clearly documented. Description: This large, hand-hammered silver bowl from the Liao-Jin period represents the advanced craftsmanship of silverware used in religious ceremonies by northern nomadic peoples. The bowl is broad and rounded, with a thick, flat rim and a flat base. The upper rim is decorated with exquisite continuous scrollwork, and the inner wall clearly shows hand-hammered concentric circles. An ancient inscription on the base records the relevant historical context. The Liao-Jin ruling class was a devout Buddhist, and large, heavy silver bowls were used in temple ceremonies, religious offerings, and aristocratic rituals. It is extremely rare to find such a large and heavy hand-forged silver piece intact today. It provides irreplaceable material reference for the study of Liao and Jin silver smelting and forging techniques, Buddhist rituals and customs, and the material culture of northern nomadic nobles. It has outstanding archaeological and historical significance, museum-level display value, and top-level antique collection value.

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