Ming Bronze Dragon Vessel

This 17th-century bronze vase is reminiscent of the ritual bronzes used by China’s earliest rulers. The vase was cast over 400 years ago during the Ming dynasty, an era when artisans were inspired by the ancient past and relied on traditional forms in their craft. Reinterpreting a traditional bronze form, the petite vessel has a rotund, teardrop form set atop a gently flaring footed base. An exquisite example of Chinese bronze work, the vase is decorated with an incised band of intricate abstract patterning and two lobed handles topped by fearsome dragon protectors.