Lot 057 A GOLD-INLAID BRONZE ‘CHI-DRAGON’ VASE Wanli PERIOD, MING DYNASTY 明 万历 铜嵌金螭龙纹长颈瓶

Description

A GOLD-INLAID BRONZE ‘CHI-DRAGON’ VASE
Wanli PERIOD, MING DYNASTY
明 万历 铜嵌金螭龙纹长颈瓶
ESTIMATE: $25000~$35000
Description
This elegant bronze vase features a globular body tapering to a tall, slender cylindrical neck and a flared rim. The exterior is elaborately decorated with fine gold-inlaid scrollwork, depicting dense floral and foliated patterns. Two circular medallions on opposite sides of the body feature intricate scenes of phoenixes amidst clouds, also rendered in delicate gold inlay. The vase is further embellished with three high-relief chi-dragons: one clambering around the neck and two symmetrically flanking the shoulders, their lithe bodies and bifurcated tails skillfully cast to create a sense of dynamic movement.
The bronze possesses a rich, dark chocolate-brown patina with subtle areas of natural verdigris and oxidation. The base is cast with a recessed six-character mark in regular script, “Da Ming Wan Li Nian Zhi” (Made during the Wanli Reign of the Great Ming Dynasty). This vessel exemplifies the sophisticated metalwork and the decorative opulence characteristic of the late Ming dynasty, where the combination of bronze casting and precious metal inlay was highly prized.
Dimensions
Height: 31 cm (11.2 in)
CONDITION REPORT
The vase is in good overall condition consistent with its age. The gold inlay remains largely intact and vibrant, with minor areas of thinning and natural wear. The bronze surface shows characteristic oxidation and scattered mineral deposits. There are minor casting irregularities and tiny nicks to the rim and foot, but no significant structural damage or signs of modern repair were observed under standard examination.
• Provenance: From a Distinguished Canadian Private Collection
明 万历 铜嵌金螭龙纹长颈瓶
此长颈瓶圆腹、瘦颈、撇口，造型端庄秀美。器表满饰精细的嵌金工艺，以金丝勾勒出密集的缠枝花卉纹。腹部两侧各有一圆形开光，内绘双凤戏云纹，工艺极其考究。器身装饰有三尊高浮雕螭龙，一尊盘绕于瓶颈，两尊对称匍匐于肩部，螭龙姿态生动，曲线流畅，为静谧的器形增添了灵动之气。
整器铜质精良，包浆深褐，局部见有自然的绿锈沁色。底部铸有“大明万历年制”六字楷书款。此瓶集铸造、浮雕、嵌金工艺于一体，装饰繁缛而富有层次感，体现了明代晚期金属工艺追求华丽与精巧的时代风格。
品相报告：
整器品相良好。嵌金线条大部保存完好，局部见有自然的传世磨损与氧化。铜底表面包浆厚重，见有随年代产生的自然氧化及少量矿物质结晶。口沿及足底有细微的磕碰痕迹，但在常规检查下未见重大裂纹或修复迹象。
技术规格：
高度:31厘米, 11.2英寸
来源：
加拿大著名收藏家