Of slender baluster form, this small and heavily cast bronze vase was intended for use upon the scholar’s table, combining restrained elegance with pleasing weight and presence. The vessel rises from a slightly spreading foot to a narrow neck, flanked by a pair of finely cast openwork handles of stylised foliate scroll form.
The shoulder is encircled by a band of archaistic geometric ornament, inspired by earlier archaic bronzes, providing contrast to the otherwise plain body.
The surface bears a warm, brown patina with areas of handling wear and natural variation, consistent with age and use.
Of particular note is an old and characterful repair to the base, ingeniously executed using a French 10 centime coin (dated 1987), set neatly into the foot.
3.5cm tall
Late Ming Dynasty