Description

This extremely rare bronze wine container is inlayed with silver, gold and copper. The total surface is covered with cupric oxides due to extended burial. The back as well as both sides of the object depicts coiled serpents and archaic style birds, while the chest shows an inlaid mythical horn animal against a lewien pattern ground. The removable head is also inlayed with gold and silver giving the appearance of layered feathers. From the Warring states period (475-221 BC). Measures 10 1/4" height (26cm). Total weight of approx. 1652 grams. Provenance: Includes analytical report confirming age. Provenance: Exhibited at "Treasures of the Chinese Nobility" Cornell Fine Art Museam, 1997.