Lot 059 AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL, DING SHANG DYNASTY (C. 1600–1046 BC) 商 青铜饕餮纹鼎

Description

AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL, DING
SHANG DYNASTY (C. 1600–1046 BC)
商 青铜饕餮纹鼎
ESTIMATE: $150.000 – $250.000
Description
This substantial bronze ritual food vessel, ding, dates to the Shang dynasty and exemplifies the sophisticated metalwork of early Chinese civilization. The vessel is cast with a deep, rounded body supported on three sturdy, slightly tapered columnar legs. The exterior is decorated with a prominent frieze below the rim consisting of three large taotie masks, each centered on a low vertical flange. Each mask is meticulously rendered with raised eyes, scrolling horns, and jaws, set against a dense background of fine leiwen (thunder pattern) spirals. The decorative band is further bordered by two rows of “pearl” or circular bosses. Two thick, upright U-shaped handles rise from the flared rim.
The bronze has developed a varied patina of deep brownish-bronze tones with areas of malachite-green and azurite-blue encrustation, particularly visible on the interior and the underside of the vessel. Such vessels were essential components of ancestral ritual ceremonies, serving as symbols of status and authority for the ruling elite.
Dimensions
• Diameter (Rim): 26.1 cm (10.3 in)
• Height (Overall): 31.6 cm (12.4 in)
CONDITION REPORT
The vessel is in overall stable and good condition. The bronze body retains its structural integrity, though it exhibits characteristic signs of age, including scattered surface abrasions, minor nicks to the rim and handles, and some ancient casting flaws. A small circular hole (possibly for metallurgical testing or a result of corrosion) is present in the side of the vessel. One handle shows an ancient repair or stress hairline at the joint. The legs are firmly attached, showing some malachite encrustation and earthen burial remains at the joints. The interior retains significant areas of original patina and mineral deposits. No evidence of modern structural restoration was detected.
Provenance
• From an Important Private Canadian Collection
商 青铜饕餮纹鼎
描述
此件青铜鼎为商代礼器的典型之作，体现了中国早期青铜铸造的高超工艺。鼎身为深腹圆底，下承三支粗壮的柱足。腹部上方饰有一周精美的饕餮纹带，饕餮纹以扉棱为鼻梁，圆眼凸起，角部卷曲，其间填以细密的云雷纹。纹饰带上下各饰一周连珠纹。口沿处矗立一对厚实的立耳。
器表呈现深褐色的古朴皮壳，局部可见翠绿色的孔雀石及深蓝色的蓝铜矿锈迹，尤以腹内及底部最为明显。此类青铜鼎在商代是地位与权力的象征，常用于祭祀祖先的重大礼仪活动。
技术规格
• 口径： 26.1 厘米
• 高度： 31.6 厘米
品相报告
整器品相稳固良好。鼎身结构完整，见有自然形成的表面磨损、磕碰痕迹及古代铸造留下的细微瑕疵。腹部一侧见有一处细小的圆孔（可能为取样孔或自然腐蚀所致）。其中一耳与口沿连接处见有古代加固或收缩产生的细裂纹。三足连接稳固，接缝处见有孔雀石锈及土垢。器内保留有丰富的原始皮壳与矿物沉积。常规检查下未见现代结构性修复痕迹。
来源
• 来自加拿大重要私人珍藏