17th Century Antique Chinese Bronze Gu Vase/Beaker Vase

Description

Up for sale is an unusual antique Chinese bronze *Gu-form vase or beaker vase decorated with archaic Taotie motifs (commonly … more Up for sale is an unusual antique Chinese bronze *Gu-form vase or beaker vase decorated with archaic Taotie motifs (commonly found on Chinese ritual bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasty. The design typically consists of a zoomorphic mask, described as being frontal, bilaterally symmetrical, with a pair of raised eyes and typically no lower jaw area), Ming or early Qing Dynasty, 17th century, old restorations to widely flared mouth and other age-consistent wear and patina, private New York collection, originally purchased from Skinner auction in Boston
11 1/4" (28.6 cm) high
*A Gu is a type of ancient Chinese ritual bronze vessel from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties (i. e. 1600–256 BC). It was used to drink wine or to offer ritual libations. Gu is tall and slender, with a slightly flared base that tapers to a slim center section before widening again into a trumpet-like mouth, wider than the base. Its surface is often decorated with Taotie. less