A large and finely cast archaic bronze tripod vessel and cover (Ding), Spring and Autumn period

Acquired in Hong Kong before 1987.

Originating in the pottery forms of the late Neolithic period, the tripod ding is among the most important and iconic vessels produced in China's history; a symbol of power, prosperity, and the nation's ancient past. Here realised in the vernacular of the late Bronze Age - of broad, stately proportions with swirling zoomorphic designs finely cast across the vessels surface - the present ding is a particularly fine and grand example of its type.