East Asia, China, Western Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. An elegant bronze ladle featuring an ovoid bowl that swoops upward to a curved handle terminating in a dragon's head finial. The dragon in China is an auspicious emblem of nature?s creative forces. Visualized as a composite creature, this sleek example, with its elongated neck, flared nostrils, and gaping mouth, may have been inspired by the "heavenly" horses thought to dwell in Central Asia. The bump on the forehead of this dragon is called a chi mu and is believed to help the creature float up to the heavens. Size: 6.3" L x 2.8" W x 5.8" H (16 cm x 7.1 cm x 14.7 cm); 8.3" H (21.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired in Santa Monica, California in the mid-1990's; ex-Mark Johnson collection

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#180956

Expected surface wear with abrasions and weathering as shown, but otherwise, intact and excellent with rich green patina and earthen deposits. Good remaining details.