Bronze Relief Vase on Wooden Base

Prized by emperors and wealthy literati, ancient Chinese bronzes have been avidly studied and collected since the Song dynasty. Enthusiasm grew during the Ming dynasty, when a revival of art of bronze casting initiated a kind of second Bronze Age. This cast vase from c. 1900 showcases the innovative forms that skillful bronze artisans brought to traditional methods. Using the lost-wax process, the artisan was able to create intricate relief patterns of swirling, cloud-like forms and calligraphic abstractions. The vases' rich, chocolate-brown patina is balanced by its footed carved wood base, providing a warm counterpoint to the dark bronze. We agree with one 14th-century connoisseur who wrote that bronze vessels are heavily imbued with earth spirit and preserve the freshness of flowers “as if they were still growing on trees.”