Here is an exquisite pair of Zhou Dynasty bronze Chinese altar vessels. They have been turned into lamps. You are bidding on 2 bronzes in one auction. They measures about 24" tall. They still retain their lovely original patina and taotie design. International shipping available.The Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) was a Chinese dynasty that followed the Shang Dynasty and preceded the Qin Dynasty. Though iron was introduced to China during the Zhou Dynasty, this period produced what many consider the zenith of Chinese bronzeware. Zhou bronzework borrowed heavily from the earlier Shang Dynasty, as demonstrated by the practice of casting inscriptions in bronze vessels and the design of the vessels themselves.Many large bronzes bear cast inscriptions. These comprise the bulk of surviving early Chinese writing and have helped historians and archaeologists piece together the history of China.Chinese bronze artifacts are generally either utilitarian, such as spear points and other tools or weapons, or ceremonial/ritual, such as more elaborate versions of everyday vessels in precious materials. Source: Boundless. “Bronze under the Zhou Dynasty.” Boundless Art History Boundless, 28 Nov. 2016. Retrieved 29 Dec. 2016 from https://www.boundless.com/art-history/textbooks/boundless-art-history-textbook/chinese-and-korean-art-before-1279-ce-14/the-bronze-age-95/bronze-under-the-zhou-dynasty-458-1075/

very old- nice patina- unsure if lamps work