Chinese Bronze Urn with Handles and Rings. Chinese bronze urn with scrollwork stem decoration and dragon head handles on pedestal foot. Artist's seal impressed on base.
Chinese bronze urns, often originating from the Shang (c. 1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (c. 1046–256 BCE) dynasties, are remarkable artifacts that reflect the sophistication of early Chinese metallurgy, ritual practice, and artistry. These vessels, typically used in ceremonial contexts such as ancestor worship, were cast using complex piece-mold techniques and often adorned with intricate motifs like taotie (mythical beast masks), dragons, or geometric patterns. Beyond their ritual function, bronze urns served as powerful symbols of authority and lineage, with inscriptions documenting noble ancestry or significant events. Over centuries, these urns evolved in form and decoration, mirroring changes in political, philosophical, and religious life. Today, they are highly valued for their historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance, offering a window into ancient Chinese society and its deeply rooted traditions.
Size: 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 x 11 3/4 in.
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6 1/4 x 4 1/4 x 11 3/4 in.