Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) Gilt Bronze Lidded Cosmetic Vessel with Mythical Beast Decoration and Single Handle

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 11 cm (approx. 4.33 inches, 0.36 feet), Diameter 11 cm (4.33 inches), Weight 558 g (1.23 lbs), circa 1st century AD, Han Dynasty. Condition and Provenance: This piece is in excellent condition, with most of the gilding intact, and naturally worn areas revealing the underlying bronze body. The surface displays natural signs of age, including a green oxide layer, reddish-brown mineral deposits, and wear from centuries of burial and use. The lid, handle, and three legs are all well-preserved and have not undergone major restoration. Provenance: Private collection, California, USA. Acquired by an American private collector in the 1990s and preserved thereafter. Description: This Han Dynasty gilded bronze lid showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and ceremonial elegance of early Chinese bronze art. The cylindrical body is composed of a perfectly fitted lid, body, single-curved handle, and three animal-shaped legs, creating a balanced and refined overall silhouette. The handle's openwork circular end and the three legs lend the body a stable and elegant posture. The exterior of the vessel was originally adorned with ornate gilded decorations, but after centuries of natural weathering, the underlying bronze has been exposed, adding to its antique charm. The vessel's lines are fluid, and the details are meticulously crafted. The flowing clouds, animal shapes, and relief patterns embody the rich imagination and symbolic meaning of Han Dynasty art.

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