An impressive and highly sculptural ancient Chinese bronze Fang Hu, dating to the Warring States Period (475–221 BC).
The vessel is cast in the distinctive square-section form known as a fang hu (方壺). Its substantial pear-shaped body rises from a spreading foot through gently swelling sides to a tall neck and square mouth, creating a powerful and well-balanced architectural silhouette characteristic of ancient Chinese bronze design.
On opposing sides are finely modelled taotie-mask handles, each suspending a large bronze ring. The rings are particularly interesting in their construction, rounded along their outer faces while remaining flat on the reverse. The vessel retains its fitted cover, surmounted by four boldly modelled scrolling finials that further emphasise its striking geometric form.
One of the most compelling features of this bronze is its remarkably varied surface. Centuries of natural oxidation have produced extensive areas of green malachite, reddish-brown cuprite and blue azurite patination, creating a complex mineral surface ranging from deep earthy tones to vivid blues and greens. This richly developed patina gives the vessel exceptional visual depth and a powerful sense of antiquity.
Standing an impressive 43 cm high, the Fang Hu is a substantial example with considerable sculptural presence.
The vessel remains in very good overall condition considering its age and the relatively thin construction of its flat bronze walls. There is a split along one edge and a repaired area beneath one of the ring handles.
Provenance
Private English collection.
Reputedly acquired more than twenty years ago from the distinguished London Asian art dealer Michael Goedhuis.
Literature / Comparable Example
A closely related bronze vessel is illustrated and discussed in Anthony J. Allen, Allen's Authentication of Ancient Chinese Bronzes, 2001.
Period: Warring States Period (475–221 BC)
Material: Bronze
Form: Fang Hu (方壺)
Decoration: Taotie-mask ring handles
Height: 43 cm
An impressive and highly sculptural ancient Chinese bronze Fang Hu, dating to the Warring States Period (475–221 BC).
The vessel is cast in the distinctive square-section form known as a fang hu (方壺). Its substantial pear-shaped body rises from a spreading foot through gently swelling sides to a tall neck and square mouth, creating a powerful and well-balanced architectural silhouette characteristic of ancient Chinese bronze design.
On opposing sides are finely modelled taotie-mask handles, each suspending a large bronze ring. The rings are particularly interesting in their construction, rounded along their outer faces while remaining flat on the reverse. The vessel retains its fitted cover, surmounted by four boldly modelled scrolling finials that further emphasise its striking geometric form.
One of the most compelling features of this bronze is its remarkably varied surface. Centuries of natural oxidation have produced extensive areas of green malachite, reddish-brown cuprite and blue azurite patination, creating a complex mineral surface ranging from deep earthy tones to vivid blues and greens. This richly developed patina gives the vessel exceptional visual depth and a powerful sense of antiquity.
Standing an impressive 43 cm high, the Fang Hu is a substantial example with considerable sculptural presence.
The vessel remains in very good overall condition considering its age and the relatively thin construction of its flat bronze walls. There is a split along one edge and a repaired area beneath one of the ring handles.
Provenance
Private English collection.
Reputedly acquired more than twenty years ago from the distinguished London Asian art dealer Michael Goedhuis.
Literature / Comparable Example
A closely related bronze vessel is illustrated and discussed in Anthony J. Allen, Allen's Authentication of Ancient Chinese Bronzes, 2001.
Period: Warring States Period (475–221 BC)
Material: Bronze
Form: Fang Hu (方壺)
Decoration: Taotie-mask ring handles
Height: 43 cm
