Han Style Bronze Vessel Depicting a Mythological Creature

20TH CENTURY A.D.

4 1/2 in. (505 grams, 11.4 cm).

Hollow-formed in the shape of a mythological figure, possibly Bixi, depicted crouching with its head turned backwards; the creature having a dragonesque head, lion's paws, a turtle's carapace and flame-like tail flipped over the shell; fine anatomical detailing.

Provenance

Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1980-1990s.

Accompanied by an old collection ticket.

Footnotes

The Bixi is a mythical beast, one of the nine sons of the Dragon King. The domed carapace of the beast was believed to represent the vault of the heavens while its lower shell represented the earth; the living flesh within represented humankind.

CONDITION

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LOT 2019