Page 146 - Bonhams, Roger Keverne Moving on Part 1 May 11, 2021 London

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A FINE GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE VASE, FANGHU The present is based on a vessel type whose simple but distinctive
Xuande seal mark, 17th/18th century shape developed during the Warring States period and later became
Of archaistic square baluster form, rising from the spreading foot popular during the Western Han dynasty. While archaistic vessels with
decorated with a raised band to the flared rim, the waisted neck cast gilt-splashed decoration are known to have been made in considerable
with a pair of archaistic lion-mask handles, with attractive reddish- quantities during the late Ming period, few seem to be of the square
brown patina embellished with numerous gold splashes extending fanghu form, such as the present lot.
over the rim and on the base around a Xuande seal mark.
16.6cm (6 1/2in) high. The ‘gold-splash’ decoration was achieved by ‘fire-gilding’, a
technique involving the application of gold in the form of a mercury/
£2,000 - 3,000 gold amalgam. Subsequently the vessel was heated to drive off the
CNY18,000 - 27,000 mercury, so that the small amount of gold was left adhering to the base
metal. The process could then be repeated several times to build up
Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價 thicker layers of gold.

十七/十八世紀 銅灑金獸耳壺
「宣德」篆書款

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
144 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.