East Asia, China, Qing dynasty, ca. late 19th century CE. A splendid brass bowl presenting a compressed body and an annular, lipped rim, all sitting upon a circular, concave base. The exterior of this elegant vessel is intricately adorned with the relief of two dragons, each featuring lengthy, serpentine bodies, elaborately decorated with lattice-like scales, that oscillate through coiling swirls of clouds. Both in profile, these fantastical creatures each have four legs with bird-like talons as feet. Their front left legs are raised, as though striding forwards. The sizable heads of these mythic creatures present anthropomorphic visages, each comprised of bulging eyes, a large mouth bearing an open grin, a heavy brow, round cheeks, and a naturalistic nose, all capped with a flowing mane and deer-like antlers. A four-character Chinese dynasty mark in kaishu script is stamped on the base of the lovely bowl, designating it as having been made during the Qing dynasty. Size: 6.125" in diameter x 3.375" H (15.6 cm x 8.6 cm)

In China, dragons have traditionally symbolized auspicious powers involving control over rainfall, water, floods, and typhoons. Dragons are mythological symbols of good luck, strength, and power as well as the seasonal cycles and the supernatural. Dragons were displayed as a sign of physical and spiritual protection!

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection

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#163142

Abrasions to interior, a few light nicks to rim, and minor scratches to base, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina.