Asian Works of Art

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Jun 25 | 11:00 AM EDT

Live

| Chicago

Lot 119

A Rare Archaistic Bronze Ritual Tripod Vessel and Cover, Ding

A Rare Archaistic Bronze Ritual Tripod Vessel and Cover, Ding

SONG DYNASTY (12TH-13TH CENTURY)

宋青銅仿古龍紋三足鼎
The imitation of ancient ritual bronzes gained popularity during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) at the bequest of the imperial court and the rising literati class. Well-versed in Confucianism and its reverence towards history and antiques, scholars revived the study of bronzes from the Shang (16th- c. 1050 BC) to Zhou (c. 1050-221 BC). Many of these pieces were even used as altar sets to pay respect to their ancestors.

In addition to meticulously recording extant examples of ancient bronzes, wealthy individuals nursed so much interest in this category that they actually went out to source more objects—either through marketplaces or from digging up the earth. Thousands of bronze vessels were rediscovered, with a goal to preserve and catalog each piece for future generations.

The Song’s insatiable demand for ancient bronzes led to a large market for ‘imitation’ pieces. Skilled craftsmen were able to create quality replicas of these bronze wares, either based on newly-published classical examples, or with modern variations that catered to Song tastes. The present vessel falls under the former category with its similarities to Warring States prototypes from the 5th to 3rd century BC. With its fine casting, exceptional details and interior inscription, it is a wonderful Song Dynasty homage to the antiquarian past.

Other Song Dynasty archaistic bronzes have appeared at auction in the past few years. A silver-inlaid bronze vase, hu, sold at Sotheby’s New York, ‘Informing the Eye of the Collector; Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art from J. T. Tai & Co., 22 March 2011, lot 229; a bronze tripod food steamer, xian, sold at Christie’s Paris, 14 December 2011, lot 1052; and most recently, a silver-inlaid bronze ‘champion’ vase sold at Sotheby’s 11 September 2019, lot 801.

Height 12 1/4 x length 15 3/4 x diameter 12 in., 31 x 40 x 30 cm.

Weight 21 lb
Overall in good condition with rich patina, a damage to the underside. Please refer to photos for the incised inscriptions.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Annie Wu

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Asian Art

anniewu@freemansauction.com 312.447.3260

Ms. Wu joined the firm in 2014, after working as a specialist in the Asian Works of Art Department of an East Coast auction house. She researches, appraises, and sells Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and South East Asian works of art, including jades, bronzes, ceramics, paintings, armor, and furniture. Throughout her career, Ms. Wu has achieved record prices for several prominent estates and collections, including the Estate of Frank G. Mertes, Sr., Winona, Minnesota; the Chinese Painting Collection of Ms. Yuan Jiaying and Mr. Li Guoyuan, Chicago; the Estate of Hisazo Nagatani, Chicago, and the Asian Art Collection deaccessioned from the Strong Museum of Play, Rochester, New York.

Flora Zhang

Specialist, Asian Works of Art

florazhang@freemansauction.com 312.447.3290

Megan Sadler

Associate Specialist, Asian Works of Art

megansadler@hindmanauctions.com 312.600.6066

Asian Works of Art

A Rare Archaistic Bronze Ritual Tripod Vessel and Cover, Ding

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