Page 135 - Deydier The_Lippens_Collection_of_Ancient_Chinese_Bronzes

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39 – archaic bronze wine vessel gong
LATE SHANG DYNASTY / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY
CIRCA 11 CENTURY B. C.
TH
H.: 18.7 CM L.: 18.5 CM

Rare bronze vessel gong, used during rituals for wine libations.
The pourer-shaped body is decorated near its centre with a frieze of
hybrid animals, a mixture of kui dragons and birds with long beaks
shown in profile.
The cover, in the shape of an animal’s back, ends in a powerful head
cast with expressive eyes, small ears, and a pair of tubular horns.
A semi-circular handle protrudes from the end of the vessel.
The vessel is supported on an oval-shaped foot and has a light
green patina.

INSCRIPTION

– An inscription inside the vessel and cover was added later.
PROVENANCE

– Deydier Ch. / Oriental Bronzes Ltd., London, UK., 2001.
– Count & Countess Paul Lippens Collection, Brussels, Belgium, 2001.

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