Lot 167A
East Asia, China, late Qing Dynasty to early Republic Period, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. A gorgeous double-ram wine vase, also known as a zun, with a conical lid, all expertly hand-carved from nephrite jade in a deep shade of forest green. Finely detailed, the impressive vessel presents in the form of a 2-headed ram standing upon 4 legs with heads projecting in opposite directions. Each of the heads displays a huge pair of spiraling horns, large, petaloid ears, a round snout, and a beard that extends to the chest and suspends a ring. The sizeable lid featuring incised lotus flower motifs rises from the center of the animal's back, which is draped in a shawl decorated with 2 additional ram heads in relief. As zuns were used to provide the offering of wine for the deceased during ceremonies, the hollow form of the lid may have served as a drinking vessel in which one can pour the wine from the zun. Accompanied by wood stand with intricate openwork designs. Size: 5.2" W x 6" H (13.2 cm x 15.2 cm); 7.3" H (18.5 cm) on included custom stand.
This vessel was clearly inspired by the ancient double-ram zuns of the Shang Dynasty (1200 to 1050 BCE). One notable example of a bronze double-ram zun can be found in the British Museum under accession number 1936,1118.1.
Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#172213
- Condition: Intact and excellent with impressive remaining detail. Encrustation in some areas. Collection label on underside of stand.
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