A BRONZE 'CHAMPION' VASE SONG – MING DYNASTY

cast in the form of two tubular vases rising from splayed feet to waisted necks, flanking a falcon standing atop the head of a bear with outstretched limbs, the falcon suspending a fixed ring from its beak and extending its wings across the exterior of both vases, each vase divided into two main registers by a raised fillet, the upper register with dense scrollwork, the lower with pendent archaistic lappets, the bear's hindquarters and bifurcated tail protruding at the lower section of the reverse, below a handle modelled as a mythical beast conjoining both vases, the bronze patinated to a dark reddish-brown patina with traces of malachite encrustation, wood stand

As visible in the catalogue photo there is bruising and oxidisation to the surface of the vase, the most severe a 0.8 cm shallow chip to the underside.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Bronze champion vases are sometimes found with inlaid decoration, but the present example relies entirely on the fine surface treatment and the natural patination combined with artificial encrustations for its aesthetic impact. A near-identical bronze champion vase from the collection of Ulrich Hausmann, also dated Song to Ming dynasty, was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3328. Compare also a Song to Ming dynasty gold and silver-inlaid champion vase, see Paul Moss and Gerard Hawthorn, The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork. Sydney Moss Ltd., London, 1991, cat. no. 35, where the authors point out that the term ‘champion vase’ (‘ying xiong’) is almost certainly a post-Han term referring to the two animals: the falcon ('ying') and the bear ('xiong').