Page 72 - Deydier The_Lippens_Collection_of_Ancient_Chinese_Bronzes

方鼎

19 – archaic bronze food vessel fangding
SHANG DYNASTY, ANYANG / YINXU PERIOD
CIRCA 14 – 12 / 11 CENTURIES B. C.
TH
TH
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H.: 21.5 CM L.: 16.9 CM W.: 13.8 CM
Rectangular ritual bronze food vessel fangding, supported by four
cylindrical legs. Each side of the vessel’s body is decorated at its
centre with a large area of intricately cast geometric patterns sur-
rounded on three sides by neat rows of sharply cast protruding
bosses. This central section is topped by a rectangular frieze of
design featuring a pair of frolicking kui dragons masterfully cast
in high relief on a leiwen background, facing each other over an
attractive vertical flange.
The vessel’s thick round feet are decorated in high relief with taotie
masks with vertical flanges down their centres.
Two loop handles are set on the rim.
The vessel has a nice green patina.

INSCRIPTION

– A two-character inscription inside the vessel reads “Ya Niao”,
probably a name.

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