Lot 52

Chinese Shang Dynasty Bronze Ceremonial Zoomorphic Lidded Vessel

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Chinese Shang Dynasty Bronze Ceremonial Zoomorphic Lidded Vessel

Estimate: $500 - $1,500

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)

June 16, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Dania Beach, FL, US

Description:

Chinese Shang Dynasty Bronze Ceremonial Zoomorphic Lidded Vessel
Circa 1600–1050 BCE., Chinese
This exceptional ritual bronze lidded vessel dates to the Shang Dynasty, a pivotal era that defined the foundational religious and artistic traditions of ancient China. In Shang society, the king served as the high priest, making frequent sacrifices to his ancestors to ensure their happiness. This practice marked the birth of ancestor worship, one of Chinese culture's most enduring traditions. Bronze vessels played a critical role in these sacred ceremonies; they were used to present food and wine directly to ancestral spirits. The present lidded vessel features a cylindrical body on three zoomorphic tripod feet, a domed lid with three bird-shaped finials, and mask handles with loose rings. The entire surface is covered in a thick, green burial patina, representing items historically used by elite classes for ancestral rituals or storing precious materials. Notably, most surviving examples of these magnificent vessels were discovered directly inside Shang Dynasty tombs.
‘Provenance: Estate of Antiquities and Tribal Art Collector in GA'

  • Dimensions: H: 6" Diameter: 6 1/4"
  • Condition: The bronze surfaces show characteristic signs of age, wear, and oxidation typical of ancient metalwork recovered from archaeological burial sites

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $24,999 $1,000
$25,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $249,999 $10,000
$250,000 + $25,000