John J. Gredler Works of Art

Archaistic Shang Style Verdigris Bronze 'Double-Ram' Vessel, Zun Circa 1900

Archaistic Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BC) style bronze 'double ram' vessel, Zun type. Of unusual form with a lovely verdigris patina. This wonderful bronze can be a unique vase or centerpiece, or singular decorative sculpture. Circa 1900.

The vessel is heavily cast in the shape of two addorsed rams sharing the same hollow body that is raised on four legs and from which rises an oblong neck decorated on each side with a taotie mask below a band of diagonal scrolls. The body is etched with scales and the legs with archaistic spiral motifs.

14" h  x  16" w  x  6" d  

The shape and decoration of this unusual vessel are based on late Shang dynasty bronze zun of double-ram shape, two of which are in public museums, one in the Nezu Museum, Japan, the other in the British Museum. The present vessel has been quite faithful to these early prototypes.