Page 26 - 2011 - The Frank Arts Collection, Chinese Bronzes

6. Archaic bronze food vessel ding

Late Shang dynasty, 12 – 11 century BC
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Height: 23.9 cm.

Archaic bronze food vessel ding supported by three wide flat legs, each cast in the
form of a leaping kui dragon shown in profile, with a large protuberant eye and an upwardly
curving tail. The upper section of the vessel’s deep bowl-like body is decorated with three
taotie masks, each formed by a pair of highly stylized confronting dragons meeting at a
central vertical flange. The narrow rim of the vessel is set with two upright semi-circular
handles.
The vessel has a green patina.

Inscription:
- A single pictogram is cast inside the vessel, probably a clan mark.

Provenance:
- J.J. Lally & Co., New York, 1999.
- Frank Arts Collection, Belgium.

Exhibited:
- J.J. Lally & Co., Ancient China, Jades, Bronzes & Ceramics, New York, 1999,
catalogue n° 28.

Published:
- J.J. Lally & Co., Ancient China, Jades, Bronzes & Ceramics, New York, 1999,
catalogue n° 28.

Similar examples:
- A similar vessel is illustrated by Bagley R.W., Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur
Sackler Collection, Washington 1987, p. 449, fig. 80:4.
- Another vessel from the Guimet Museum, Paris, France, is published by Girard-
Geslan M., Bronzes Archaïques de la Chine, Paris 1995, p. 14 – 15.

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