Late 19th-Century Chinese Archaistic Copper and Brass Altar Vase – Qing Dynasty With Taotie & Foo Dragon Handles

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An exceptional late 19th-century Chinese altar or temple vase, cast in heavy brass and richly decorated in the archaistic style … Read more An exceptional late 19th-century Chinese altar or temple vase, cast in heavy brass and richly decorated in the archaistic style that honors the ritual bronzes of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. This antique vessel features deeply embossed taotie masks, vertical panels of stylized script or thunder key motifs, and prominent dragon-form handles—their sinuous forms adorned with curled horns, scrolling tails, and ridged spines.

The flared trumpet neck and sturdy pedestal base are classically proportioned in the hu or zun form, common in ceremonial or temple contexts. This piece was likely used as a scholar’s object, ancestral altar vase, or decorative export during the late Qing Dynasty (circa 1880–1900), when China saw a renewed appreciation of ancient bronzeware forms.

The brass surface shows authentic signs of age, including rich oxidation, soft patina, scattered verdigris, and minor hand-finishing irregularities—hallmarks of period craftsmanship, not machine tooling. Unlike mid-century tourist replicas, this piece displays deeper casting, refined symbolic composition, and balanced weight, consistent with true antique production.

An outstanding addition to any collection of Asian antiques, feng shui interiors, or global historical décor. See less