Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) Bronze Qin Imperial Inscription Weight with Qin Shi Huang’s Standardization Edict

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 6 cm (2.36 inches), base diameter 7.5 cm (2.95 inches), weight 1227 g (2.70 lb), Qin Dynasty (3rd century BC), Condition and Provenance: Well-preserved with a naturally formed black patina, exhibiting a rustic and elegant appearance. The bronze weight is substantial and feels solid in the hand. The inscription in Qin seal script is clearly visible, and the base features a complete square raised mark. Provenance: Private collection in California, USA, having circulated among collectors in Europe and North America for a long period. Description: This Qin Dynasty bronze weight is an important example of early royal standard measuring instruments. Its main body is hemispherical and bell-shaped, with a ring handle at the top, designed for hanging, serving as an ancient balancing weight. The surface has a deep black patina, rustic and elegant, reflecting centuries of natural oxidation. The body is intricately carved with small Qin seal script inscriptions, executed with exquisite and powerful strokes. These inscriptions represent the edict issued by Qin Shi Huang to standardize weights and measures, recording the unification of weights and measures within the empire. The inscriptions encircle the surface, arranged in an orderly manner, and the characters are clearly legible. The base is circular and decorated with a square raised seal, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship unique to Qin Dynasty official bronze ware. Due to its significant historical importance, well-preserved inscription, and close connection to the Qin Dynasty's administrative system, this bronze weight is an important artifact for the study of early Chinese weights and measures and Qin Dynasty calligraphy.

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