A RITUAL BRONZE WINE VASE, HU
China, Han dynasty

The globular body resting on a foot with a circular section base and surmounted by a robust cylindrical neck with a mouth highlighted by a border, to the body a series of parallel horizontal bands with geometric motifs, on the shoulder two animal masks with a ring in their mouths.

26,5 cm high

Provenance : Fabrizio Savi collection, acquired from Anthony J. Allen, Auckland, New Zealand, between 1995 and 2000.
The shape of this vessel was in the repertoire of Chinese bronzes already during the Warring States Period. Also this item, like other known ones, had originally a domed lid.