Verdigris Bronze Western Zhou Dynasty Style Urn

This reproduction bronze urn is inspired by ritual vessels from the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–771 BC). Its strong angular form has a square neck above a broad, tapering body, with bands of archaic-style decoration and ring handles mounted beneath stylised animal masks.

The removable lid is decorated with upright finials, while the entire vessel has been given a heavily textured verdigris finish to recreate the patinated surface of an excavated ancient bronze.

Bronze vessels played an important role in ancient Chinese ritual culture and were produced in a remarkable variety of forms. This reproduction takes inspiration from these early ceremonial bronzes while making a striking decorative object in its own right.

• Origin: China
• Date: Contemporary reproduction
• Materials: Bronze
• Features: Western Zhou Dynasty style; removable lid with finials; ring handles with animal-mask mounts; archaic-style decoration; verdigris patina
• Condition: Good
• Dimensions: W17 × D17 × H38 cm
• Weight: 4.5 kg