A SILVER-INLAID ‘DRAGON AND PHOENIX’ BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL AND COVER, DOU, WARRING STATES PERIOD

拍品描述

A SILVER-INLAID ‘DRAGON AND PHOENIX’ BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL AND COVER, DOU, WARRING STATES PERIOD Scientific Analysis: XRF/metallographic analysis identifies a ternary leaded bronze (Cu 82.2 ± 2.5%, Sn 14.6 ± 0.7%, Pb 3.2 ± 0.2%), consistent with high-grade casting formulae of the Warring States–early Han period. The tin content provided hardness and surface quality, while the lead addition improved fluidity and mold-filling. Lead occurs as discrete globules, as expected given its insolubility in the Cu-Sn matrix. Inclusions of copper and zinc sulfide are relict phases from the sulfidic ore used in smelting, rather than intentional additions. Notably, the microstructure shows the eutectoid (α + δ) phase, indicating locally tin-rich zones and slow cooling after casting without quenching — a harder, more brittle structure typical of cast vessels, fittings, or implements rather than thin-walled objects like mirrors. China, 475 BC-221 AD. Skillfully cast, with deep rounded sides rising from a tall spreading foot set with a pair of small loop handles and surmounted by a slightly domed cover fitted with four bird-form loop handles. The exterior is finely decorated with thin silver inlays forming bands of highly stylized, conjoined phoenixes encircling the foot and the body of the vessel, while the cover is similarly inlaid with a continuous band of confronted dragons. (2) Dimensions: Height 23.3 cm (incl. cover) Dou refers to a circular bowl with a flared foot and a similar shallow bowl as a lid. They were used to serve grains and non-meat foods. This is indicated in its name, dou, a character that means ‘stemmed bowl’ as well as ‘bean or pod-bearing plant’. These food containers were cleverly designed. When turned upside down, the lids served a secondary function as dishes to serve the food contained within. The Dou first appeared at the end of the Shang dynasty and became part of the ritual set in the Eastern Zhou dynasty. Literature comparison: Compare a related bronze lidded ritual food server (dou) with similar inlaid decoration (albeit in gold), 15.2 cm high, dated to the Eastern Zhou dynasty, c. late 5th-early 4th century BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number F1939.41a-b. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s, New York, 14 September 2012, lot 1253 Price: USD 37,500 or approx. EUR 42,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related use of silver inlay as well as the dating to the 3rd century BC. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Zacke Vienna, 16 October 2025, lot 90 Price: EUR 6,500 Expert remark: Compare the related manner of casting and inlaid decoration with similar motifs. Note the different form and the related size (22.3 cm).

图片