A BRONZE TRIPOD FOOD VESSEL, DING, HAN DYNAST... Lot n° 72

A BRONZE TRIPOD FOOD VESSEL, DING, HAN DYNASTY China, 202 BC to 220 AD. The vessel and cover of compressed globular shape with a central bowstring, supported on three lions’ mouths legs and with two gently curved loop handles, the domed cover with three upright bird finials. Provenance: French trade. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, with wear. Signs of weathering and erosion, casting flaws, small nicks, minor losses, with cuprite and malachite encrustations with associated touchups to the patina. Weight: 388 g Dimensions: Length 12.9 cm (across handles) Literature comparison: Compare a closely related funerary ding, 12.5 cm long, dated to the Han dynasty, illustrated in Anthony J. Allen, Authentication of Ancient Chinese Bronzes, 2001, p. 82, fig. 85.