A large finely cast Hu form bronze vase in an archaic style of the Western Zhou dynasty. The vase has a ring of totie mask design, following three friezes of archaic dragons. Overall, the vase is adorned with horned mythical beast masks holding rings. The background has a leiwen design. Raised reeding surrounds each frieze. Near the base are cicada shaped lappets, flared foot and gently rounded mouth rim.

The inscription on the base is taken from a Western Zhou dynasty (1045-771 BC) food vessel which has been lost. Only ink rubbings remain. The inscription may be translated as “Man Gong Fu had this precious vessel made for veneration of the ancestors, beseeching them to bestow longevity. May his sons and grandsons treasure and use it for ten thousand years”

China, Qianlong period (1735-1796)

Provenance:

Private Minnesota collector