Ming Dynasty Chinese Bronze Figure of Zhen Wu

A Chinese bronze figure of Zhen Wu, Ming Dynasty, 15th/16th…
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A Chinese bronze figure of Zhen Wu, Ming Dynasty, 15th/16th century. The warrior god, seated in heavy flowing robes and armour, with substantial traces of gilt. A member of both the Daoist and Buddhist pantheons, Zhen Wu became protector of the state and the imperial family during the Ming period. 22 cm high. Provenance: Sotheby's Melbourne, 25/5/1998. From the private collection of Robert Bleakley, cataloguer of Tibetan and Indian art, London, 1978-1982. Founding CEO and chairman of Sotheby's Australia, 1982-1998.

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  • 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.

  • 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.

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