Bronze Ewer With Relief Bodhisattva Carvings & Foreigner Figural Lid, Liao-Jin Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions: Overall height 27.2 cm (10.71 in)., lid height 21.2 cm (8.35 in.), weight 2380 g. A 10th-13th century Liao-Jin dynasty bronze ritual vessel used for Buddhist ceremonies. Condition and Provenance: This piece is in perfect condition, without any missing parts, damage, or signs of repair. The body, spout, handle, and lid are all original parts. The bronze surface exhibits a natural, multi-layered patina of red, green, and malachite, penetrating deep into the metal without any artificial treatment or chemical cleaning. The high-relief Bodhisattva image on the octahedron is clearly defined, with complete details of the necklace and drapery. The seated foreign figure on the lotus-shaped lid is vividly depicted, with distinct layers of lotus petals. Ancient casting mold lines are clearly visible on the flat base, and all original manufacturing marks are well preserved. This Liao-Jin bronze ewer was acquired in 2021 by a private collector in Los Angeles, California, specializing in ancient bronzes from northern China. California was a major hub for the overseas trade of ancient Chinese bronzes. Description: This museum-quality Liao-Jin bronze ritual vessel, a water pitcher, was used in Buddhist temple ceremonies during the Liao-Jin period to hold water for offerings. It blends the aesthetics of the nomadic peoples of northern China's grasslands with the sculptural traditions of Han Dynasty Buddhism. It is a rare, large, and complete bronze ritual vessel related to medieval Chinese Buddhism. The vessel is octagonal, supported by a flared foot, with a straight and long neck, a slender, curved spout on one side, and a curved handle with cloud patterns on the other. The proportions of the vessel are balanced and its function practical, specifically designed for holding holy water in ancient Buddhist sacrificial ceremonies. Each of the eight sides of the vessel is carved with a high-relief seated Guanyin Bodhisattva. Each Bodhisattva has a gentle, rounded face, wears a magnificent crown, a flowing silk scarf, a beaded necklace, and holds ritual implements, surrounded by relief cloud patterns. The eight Bodhisattvas are depicted in various postures, with exquisite three-dimensional carving, perfectly showcasing the graceful and full sculptural style of Liao Dynasty Buddhist art. The original lid sits atop a layered lotus base; atop the lotus, a sculpture of a foreigner from the Western Regions sits cross-legged, clutching a cylindrical vent pipe. This foreigner figure is a symbolic representation of cultural exchange along the Silk Road during the Liao and Jin dynasties. This vessel was cast piece by piece using the lost-wax method, with casting seams visible at the bottom. The bronze is dense and heavy, weighing 2380 grams, demonstrating the use of high-quality raw materials. Over a millennium, multiple layers of natural red, green, and blue-green patina have formed naturally on the surface, adhering tightly to the bronze core, untouched by modern alterations. Complete Liao and Jin Buddhist bronze artifacts are extremely rare on the antique market, and a large water jug in such good condition, decorated with Bodhisattva reliefs and featuring an original foreign figure lid, is even rarer. This piece is well-preserved, part of the set, with clear and sharp sculptural details, retaining the original ancient patina, and bearing complete casting marks. It is a museum-quality Liao-Jin Buddhist bronze artifact with extremely high historical, religious and artistic research value. It can be used to study Liao-Jin Buddhist sacrificial customs, the integration of Silk Road culture and the ancient Chinese lost-wax casting technique.

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