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Archaic Chinese Bronze Ritual Vessel, Gui, Early Western Zhou, 11th century BCE

$48,000
£36,421.30
€41,644.49
CA$67,042.98
A$74,542.68
CHF 38,922.07
MX$907,365.89
NOK 496,628.70
SEK 465,317.36
DKK 310,800.53
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About the Item

A stunning and rare Chinese archaic bronze gui, a type of ritual bronze vessel used to hold grain, either for feasting, or for making offerings to the ancestors, late Shang to early Western Zhou Dynasty, circa 11th century BCE. The gui cast with a bulbous body set upon a high splayed foot. A pair of "C" shaped handles with dragon heads emerge from the sides. Two bands of decoration encircle the vessel. One just under the mouth, the other around the foot. Both bands feature a dense and finely cast design of stylized confronting kui dragons. The top band also has a pair of fantastic animal heads cast in high relief. The bronze with an overall complex patina of green malachite with silvery undertones.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.13 in (13.04 cm)Diameter: 10 in (25.4 cm)
  • Style:
    Archaistic (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 11th Century BC
  • Condition:
    Repaired: With a repair to the body. Wear consistent with age and use. With a heavy encrusted patina in some areas, especially in the interior. A small pinhole to the bronze near one of the handles. With a repair to the body.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894710687443

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