Chinese bronze zun vessel in the shape of a mythical animal - Shang style - with lid

Description

Monumental and fascinating: a Chinese bronze zun vessel in the shape of a mythical beast, executed in the rich Shang style.

This exceptional bronze shows a zoomorph Designed with elegant, archaic lines and refined decoration in a leiwen motif (swastika spirals). The head with its pointed snout, erect ears, and powerful posture gives the image a lively, almost spiritual aura. The lidded vessel is adorned with upright dragon figures that flow seamlessly into the body; a typical characteristic of ritual bronzes from the Shang and Zhou tradition. The sculpture is hollow cast in two parts, with a perfectly fitting lid.

The surface displays a natural green and brown patina with encrustation. The object exhibits characteristics consistent with considerable age, including patina, casting texture and decoration; a TL test is not present. Connoisseurs and collectors are invited to form their own judgment.

Origin & meaning
Zun-vessels were used in ancient China for rituals involving wine offerings to ancestors and deities. The animal form refers to the connection between the human and spiritual worlds. This example comes from the collection of Mr. & Mrs. S. in Ghent (Belgium), acquired at Het Magazijn, Ghent, in 2007, and later obtained through the Coronari auction house.

Dimensions
Length 26.5 cm × depth 9.5 cm × height 22.5 cm.