Spring and Autumn Period Bronze Covered Tripod Ding with Intertwined Chi Dragon Patterns,7th–5th Century BCE

拍品描述

Measurements:Overall height 28 cm / 11.02 inches, maximum width across two handles 31 cm / 12.20 inches, total weight 4610 grams, Spring and Autumn Period, Category: Bronze Ritual Vessel, Primary trading market: CaliforniaCondition & Provenance:The entire vessel was cast in one single mold pour; lid, main body, three legs and two handles are all original matching sets, no disassembly, patched casting or welded repairs. The bronze surface is covered with natural deep-pit patina blending malachite green and reddish-brown rust, tightly layered and deeply embedded into the metal with no artificial chemical rust treatment or modern polishing. The domed lid is fully decorated with crisp fine intertwined chi dragon patterns, its three central lifting loops intact without chips or loss. Two horizontal bands of dense chi dragon scrollwork encircle the upper and mid belly of the ding, every carved line sharply defined without heavy abrasion or worn-off detail. The two rectangular upright handles are fully covered in continuous interlocking square spiral motifs, all decorative elements preserved. Three thick cylindrical support legs stand evenly balanced, the base coated in original burial soil encrustation free of cracks, broken sections or edge chips. The interior bears natural layered aged patina with no harsh modern scraping or cleaning marks. This ding was originally excavated from the Central Plains Henan region, entered a long-established Japanese Kansai antique art gallery in 1998, consigned in the 2012 San Francisco Asian Art auction session, then acquired in 2016 by a dedicated bronze ritual vessel private collector based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It has been stored long-term in temperature and humidity controlled storage, only lightly dusted with soft brushes, never chemically derusted or sealed with wax, fully retaining its untouched excavated original condition with complete documented provenance chain.Object Description:This complete covered bronze ding represents a canonical mid-Spring and Autumn ritual vessel of museum quality, crafted for aristocratic sacrificial ceremonies and grand feasts during ancient China’s Eastern Zhou era. Cast via traditional sectional piece-mold bronze casting technique, the alloy is pure and dense with substantial weight, presenting a full, robust and perfectly balanced silhouette. The domed lid rises gently, fitted with three circular lifting knobs at its center, its entire surface covered in intricately interwoven chi dragon scrollwork set against a square spiral ground pattern for striking layered detail. The vessel’s belly tapers slightly at the neck before swelling outward, split by two wide raised cord bands that frame two horizontal registers of swirling chi dragon motifs; smooth, consistent carving lines showcase the sophisticated fine incising craftsmanship iconic to Spring and Autumn bronze production. A pair of upright rectangular handles extend symmetrically from the mouth rim, each fully engraved with endless interlocking geometric spiral patterns of archaic design. Three solid thick cylindrical legs anchor the vessel evenly, their bases retaining thick unaltered burial soil deposits. Intertwined chi dragon motifs stand as the defining decorative language of Spring and Autumn bronzes, symbolizing auspicious omens and heavenly connection; interlocked dragons further carry the ancient blessing of enduring clan prosperity and lasting fortune. Complete Spring and Autumn covered ding sets are scarce on the antique market, and medium-sized heavy specimens retaining their original matching lid, full intact decorative patterns, unmodified natural burial patina and zero restoration are extraordinarily rare. This piece delivers irreplaceable archaeological dating value, profound insight into ancient Chinese ritual culture, and elite collectible rarity, consistently pursued by serious bronze collectors across California and Pennsylvania.

图片