A LARGE PAIR OF CHINESE BRONZE VASES, HU, WITH REMOVABLE CROWNS

WARRING STATES PERIOD 475-221 BC

Each pear-shaped body raised on a flaring foot, decorated in relief with four concentric relief bands simulating twisted rope, the shoulder with two mythical beast masks, each supporting a loose-ringed handle decorated with incised lines and scrolls, surmounted by a separate crown, with eight ogee-shaped radiating petals decorated with stylized geometric scrolls, the surface with evidence of malachite encrustations, 40cm overall. (4)

Cf. J So, Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Vol.III, p.255, figs.43.1 & 43.3 for comparable examples; see also W T Chase, Ancient Chinese Bronze Art: Casting the Precious Sacral Vessel, p.62, no.25. and The International Exhibition of Chinese Art, The Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935/6 catalogue no.133 for a single similar hu vase lent by Edgar Worch.