Page 10 - Later Chinese Bronzes from the Collection of Ulrich-Hk 2014
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this vessel, less sharp edged and solidly formed than other apocryphally marked examples, being a genuine Xuande
mark and period vessel.
The form is derived from Han dynasty cosmetic boxes found in tombs of high ranking members of the aristocracy. For
a gilt-bronze prototype of similar form, with the same horizontal fillets, see the example in the Smithsonian Institution,
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler, S1987.341a-b.
The aesthetic of the current vessel is more restrained, lacking the ring-handles and cover, and with plain, cabriole feet
where the Han dynasty example has separately cast miniature bears comprising the feet.
Fig. 1
After: Xuande Yiqi tupu, The illustrated register of vessels from the
Xuande era
