Page 74 - 2011 - The Frank Arts Collection, Chinese Bronzes

24. Archaic bronze vessel and cover, Lian

Han dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD
Height: 32 cm

Archaic bronze vessel and cover lian cast with a deep cylindrical body
supported by three feet in the form of walking tigers in profile. The body is decorated
with two friezes containing different animals and hunting scenes, separated by three
strap-work bands interspersed by two taotie masks in high relief with pendant ring
handles.
The vessel’s conic cover cast in low relief in the form of stepped hills or a mountain,
is ornamented with low relief hunting scenes and surmounted by an open winged
bird in the round.
The bronze vessel has a very light green patina.

Provenance:
- Zen Gallery, Belgium 1998.
- Frank Arts Collection, Belgium.

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