During the Chinese Song Dynasty, there was a cultural fascination with archaic bronzes used for food, wine, and ritual purposes. For example, these vessels evolved from simple to more intricate designs.
This ancient Chinese bronze imperial palace bowl was recently acquired from a prominent Bostonian estate of Asian antiques. It appears that it may be from the Song Dynasty because of its characteristics and markings throughout this vessel, and possibly from the early Shang period. It is unknown if its original purpose was to store food or was used in ritual ceremonies, or both.
There is a total of eight large double circle etched areas on the outer bowl:
Four double circles contain etched bronze drawings with relief. There is an open mouth fish swimming in wavy water, a tree with blossoms, a bamboo stick with leaves, and a fully bloomed lotus flower. These drawings speak of power, wealth, prosperity, long life, and many blessings.
Four double circles contain ancient chop marks that probably contain the emperor rein mark, the emperor's name mark, other symbolic marks, or the year the bowl was created.
Additionally, above each of the double circles are seven swirls, which are probably representative of a prosperous afterlife.
The outer lip of the bowl:
The outer lip has a repeating pattern of etched pine tree branches and pine needles.
There are two bronze handles on either side of the bowl toward the top rim:
Please note that due to camera lighting, the section of the bowl with the handles appears to be a different color than the rest of the bowl. These sections of the bowl are the same color bronze as the rest of the outer bowl.
The handles are etched bronze and are attached to the bowl. Each handle is of a mystical bat, meaning many blessings, long life, and prosperity.
Within each handle is a large bronze ring to aid in carrying the bowl.
This is a very heavy bowl weighing approximately 11.6 pounds when empty. It probably took two people to carry the bowl when full.
The bottom of the bronze bowl is an attached bronze stand:
There is a small, drilled hole at the bottom of the bowl through the stand that is probably not part of the original bowl.
The imperial palace bowl characteristics:
The inside of the bowl is completely covered in patina and oxidation.
The upper lip and outside of the bowl also have patina and oxidation throughout.
The bronze bowl approximate dimensions and other features are as follows:
Material: Bronze
Height: 9.5 in or 24.13 cm
Width: 12.5 in or 31.75 cm
Top Outer Lip: 1 in or 2.54 cm
Bottom Diameter: 8 in or 20.32 cm
Depth: 8 in or 20.32 cm
Circumference (the widest part of the outside perimeter): 35 in or 88.9 cm
Chop Mark height range: 3/4 inch to 1 inch
Bowl Weight: 11.6 lbs or 5.26 kg
Age: Song Dynasty (960-1279)
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