+China 960-1279 AD Song Dynasty Very Rare Imperial Period Offering Vessel In Red Bronze
Offering vessel from the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD ).
A beautiful "offering spiritual vessel" from the Yunnan province region in the ancient China. This rare vessel was created in red bronze during the Song Dynasty period. between 960-1279 AD.
This is one of the most unusual forms of red bronze jar. A large vessel, the sides are virtually perpendicular to the base. The stepped lid design is also among the more rare types. The predominant lid design among the Yunnan offering bronzes is the "wheel" pattern, with a few lids having the lotus design. This is also one of the few bronzes displaying clear riveting of a two-part vessel body, with the original twisted elements
Has a combined measures including the lid of 12.5 by 8.75 inches (31.75 x 22,23 Cm).
The Song Dynasty, was an imperial dynasty of China that began in 960 and lasted until 1279. The dynasty was founded by Emperor Tizu of Song following his usurpation of the throne of the later Zhou, ending the Five-Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The Song often came into conflict with the contemporaneous Liao, Western Xia and Jin dynasties in northern China. After decades of armed resistance defending southern China, it was eventually conquered by the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty.
The dynasty is divided into two periods: Northern Song and Southern Song. During the northern Song, the capital was in the northern city of Bianqing and the dynasty controlled most of what is now Easter China. The Southern Song, refer to the period after the Song lost control of its northern half to the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty in the Sin-Song wars. At that time, the Song court retreated south of the Yangtze and established its capital at Lin’an. Although the Song dynasty had lost control of the traditional Chinese heartlands around the yellow river, the Southern Song Empire contained a large population and productive agricultural land, sustaining a robust economy. In 1234, the Jin dynasty was conquered by the Mongols, who took control of northern China, maintaining uneasy relations with the Southern Song.
Note: These types of jars were originally excavated from Buddhist sites in the region of Yunnan, China. Used to hold sutras, dedications, or offerings, they were usually buried at the bases of temples, pagodas, or other holy sites.
Collateral: An actual letter, dated October 1, 2021 from TK Asian Antiquities Gallery, signed by Michael Teller, accompanied this piece as a certificate of authenticity. Copy of the book will be included.
Provenance: A private collection in New York city collected in the 1964; T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery, Williamsburg Virginia; A private collection in Palm Beach FL; then purchased by James & Nancy Markell, Virginia 1976; then by descent to Lauren Markland, Fort Lauderdale, FL.; acquired in Palm Beach, FL. in march 7, 2021.
Literature: Offering Vessels of Yunnan, Michael C, Teller IV. T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery, New York 2004. Illustrated Pp-51.
It is in nice ancient condition, with all parts original from the period.
INVENTORY REF: D0000ANNM/.1112
