Lot 568
Chinese Han Dynasty Bronze Hu Vessel, Taotie Mask Ring Handles
Chinese Han Dynasty Bronze Hu Vessel, Taotie Mask Ring Handles
Starting Bid: $800
(0 Bids)
East Asia, China, Han Dynasty., ca. 206 BCE - 220 CE. An elegant, pear shaped hu vessel, the iconographic program of this piece comes to life with two taotie masks that are affixed with ring handles on opposite sides of the body. These stylized animals represent a type of dragon from Chinese mythology. Their abstracted visages reflect the influence of previous eras such as those of the Zhou Dynasty. Further adorning the vessel are circumferential bands at midline, junction of body and neck, rim, and base. Offered without lid, as is typical for surviving examples of this type.. An attractive green patina adds brilliant color and texture to the vessel. This vessel would have been used for the storage and transport of sumptuous wines, as during the Han Dynasty, the tradition of casting bronze vessels for use in ritual libation ceremonies continued and flourished. The shapes of such precious vessels were subject to many stylistic restrictions and guidelines. Size: 13.75" D x 18" H (34.9 cm D x 45.7 cm H)
This piece has been tested for the presence or absence of particular elements via XRF elemental analysis and is consistent with bronzes of this period.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, 2025; ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired between 1985 and 2003
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Item #
202601
- Condition: A few minor dents and liberal surface deposits from burial. Offered without lid, as is typical for surviving examples of this type.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |