Bronze Fang Hu Ritual Wine Vessel Han Dynasty

Description

Very early, 206 BC to 220 AD, square shaped bronze fang hu bronze vessel would have functioned as a ritual … more Very early, 206 BC to 220 AD, square shaped bronze fang hu bronze vessel would have functioned as a ritual container for the storage and transportation of sumptuous wines. This refined fang hu is essentially unadorned, save for two decorative Tao Tieh mask handles that have been attached to the swelling body of the hu. These stylized animal heads represent a type of dragon found in Chinese mythology. Their abstracted representation, as well as the incised patterns, demonstrates the influence of previous works such as the bronzes of the Zhou Dynasty. A lid caps this fang hu, embellished with four abstract “handles” that appear to be highly stylized bird heads. Over the ages, the bronze has acquired a fabulous bronze with green and brown patina. A gorgeous work of art, treasured for its history and rarity. Height including lid is 16”.
Measures: width is 8.5” at widest.
Circumference at middle widest point is 34”.
Each side of base is 5.25”. less