Late Spring and Autumn Period Bronze Ding Vessel with Cover and Coiled Chi Dragon Decoration (6th–5th Century BCE)

拍品描述

Size: H 24 cm (9.4 in / 0.79 ft), W 27 cm (10.6 in / 0.89 ft), Weight 2.9 kg; Late Spring and Autumn Period (6th–5th Century BCE)Condition & Provenance: The vessel remains complete with its original cover, body, handles, and three legs preserved together. The lid fits securely with the matching rim, and all structural elements remain intact. The surface displays naturally developed layers of malachite green patina, reddish earth encrustation, and dark aged bronze surfaces, reflecting centuries of oxidation and burial history. Provenance: Private Collection, California, USA.Description: This exceptional Late Spring and Autumn Period bronze Ding vessel represents one of the most important forms of ancient Chinese ritual bronze ware. The vessel is complete with its original cover, body, handles, and tripod legs, demonstrating the solemn and powerful aesthetic associated with aristocratic ritual objects of the Eastern Zhou period. The domed cover features a raised ring handle at the center with openwork square fittings on both sides, designed to secure the cover to the vessel body. The cover edge forms a precise fitted connection with the rim, reflecting advanced bronze casting and construction techniques of the period. The entire surface preserves rich layers of green patina mixed with reddish mineral deposits, creating an authentic aged appearance. The body is formed with a rounded globular profile and outward-flaring rim, complemented by a pair of upright rectangular handles decorated with fine geometric patterns. The exterior is divided by raised horizontal bands and decorated with two broad registers of tightly arranged coiled Chi dragon motifs. The small interlocking dragons twist and connect across the surface, creating a highly sophisticated pattern against a geometric ground. The Chi dragon design was one of the most significant decorative elements on Spring and Autumn bronze ritual vessels, symbolizing auspicious power, authority, and ceremonial prestige. The vessel stands on three powerful beast-shaped legs, each with rounded upper sections and outward-expanded feet providing stable support. The legs preserve heavy earth deposits and green-red patination, revealing the natural aging process of the bronze. The interior is covered with deep green patina and preserves visible casting textures and bronze surfaces from the original manufacturing process. The underside retains dark aged surfaces and clear casting junctions, reflecting the traditional multi-part casting techniques used in early Chinese bronzeware production. Created through sophisticated bronze casting and assembly methods, the body, legs, handles, and cover were separately cast and carefully joined together. With its complete structure, elaborate Chi dragon decoration, substantial bronze body, and impressive preservation, this Ding vessel represents the refined craftsmanship and ceremonial importance of Spring and Autumn period bronze art.

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