Page 76 - 2011 - The Frank Arts Collection, Chinese Bronzes

25. Bronze wine vessel and cover, Hu

Western Han dynasty, 206 BC- 8 AD
Height: 45 cm

Elegant hu shaped vase with cover. The vessel’s pear shaped body rises on
a spreading pedestal foot. The upper part of the vessel’s shoulder is decorated with
a double fluted band interrupted by a pair of taotie masks with noses in the form of
small loops to which large rings are attached. A large curved handle, with dragon
head terminals, is secured by two chains attached to the taoties’ nose loops.
The cover is also decorated at its rim with two small loop handles.

Provenance:
- Jules Speelman Collection, London.
- G. Croës, Belgium 1984.
- Frank Arts Collection, Belgium.

Published:
- Christian Deydier, Les Bronzes Chinois, Fribourg, Switzer land, 1980, p.229, n°
89.

76 77