A pair of gilt bronze Hu-shape covered vessels

Han dynasty, 206 BC – 221 AD
Height: 7 in (17.8 cm)

The vessels of classic form, preserving most of the original gilding, sport a pair of taotie masks with handles. The covers are decorated with three functional phoenixes, which would serve as feet when the cover is removed and the vessel placed on the ground.

For a similar example, see the Gisele Croes catalog for the XVIIe Biennal des Antiquaires (Paris: 1994), pp.68-69. For a similar example in lacquer, and another bronze example, see Robert L. Thorp, Song of Heaven; Imperial Arts of China (Seattle: 1988), p. 136 and p.183), both from the Han dynasty.

Microscopic and chemical analysis have been performed by Orenda Laboratories and support the above dating.

Published: Asiantiques, Chinese Works of Art (2009), cat. no. 103

Ref. 859477

Price on request