Description: Late Chinese Bronze Age bowl with bolsters attached on opposite sides of the of the vessel. Reinforced banding ridge stretches across the middle of the bowl from the bolsters. Used in a ritualized setting;

History: The production of bronze was probably controlled by the ruler, who gave unformed metal to his nobility as a sign of favor and to (ensure their loyalty). Chinese Bronze Age began in the Xia Dynasty (ca. 2070 – ca. 1600 BC), and bronze ritual containers form the bulk of collections of Chinese antiquities, reaching its zenith during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) and the early part of the Zhou Dynasty (1045–256 BC). The majority of surviving Chinese ancient bronze artefacts are ritual forms rather than their equivalents made for practical use, either as tools or weapons. Weapons like daggers and axes had a sacrificial meaning, symbolizing the heavenly power of the ruler. The strong religious associations of bronze objects brought up a great number of vessel types and shapes which became regarded as classic and totemic and were copied, often in other media such as Chinese porcelain, throughout subsequent periods of Chinese art.

Provenance: Wolley & Wallace

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 5.4 | Height(in) = 5 | Width(in) = 10.5 | Depth(in) = 10.5

Size of Artwork(in): 5" x 10.5" x 10.5"

Artist Name: Unknown

Medium: Broze

Circa: C. 7th century c.e.

Heavy Patination No damage upon inspection