Han Dynasty Owl-Form Bronze Vessel: Rare and Exquisite Artwork

A rare bronze Owl-Form vessel. Han Dynasty, (206 BC-AD 220). A…
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A rare bronze Owl-Form vessel. Han Dynasty, (206 BC-AD 220). A rare bronze vessel in the form of an owl, Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). This exquisite small vessel is crafted in the shape of an owl, with the body elegantly perched upon two small feet and a sturdy tail, providing stability and balance. The surface exhibits a finely preserved greenish-black patina, smooth and rich, hinting at the vessel's significant age and the sophisticated bronze-working techniques of the Han period. The delicate form and lifelike detailing of the owl demonstrate the artisans' skill and their deep reverence for natural forms, common in Han Dynasty artifacts, where animal figures were often imbued with symbolic meaning and used in ritual contexts. Provenance: The Carl Wantrup collection, , height 10.2 cm width 7.9 cm

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  • Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.

    The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.

    It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
  • Patination / Patina - In broad terms, patination refers to the exterior surface appearance of the timber, the effect of fading caused by exposure to sunlight and air over the course of a century or more, changing the piece to a soft, mellow colour.

    As patina is very difficult to replicate, it is one of the most important guides to determining the age of furniture.

    Patina is also the term applied to the bloom or film found on old bronzes due to oxidisation.
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

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