RARE ANTIQUE CHINESE BRONZE ZUN Penglai Shan Archaic Seal Script Vase Shangrila

Description

RARE & IMPORTANT ANTIQUE CHINESE BRONZE MYSTIC MOUNTAIN ZUN
Exquisite, antique Chinese cast bronze zun form vase of exceptionally fine museum quality. Exceedingly rare and important inscription "Precious Treasure Mountain" which refers to the mystical and legendary Mount Penglai. According to myths dating back as far as the 4th century BC, Penglai Shan was an island mountain in the Eastern Sea where the immortals dwelled in light and harmony. All living creatures on the magical island were said to be white, while the palace was of pure gold. Historically, Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty 259-210 BC), in search of the herbal elixir of immortal life, sent several actual expeditions to find the island where the mountain is located.
This magnificent bronze vessel exhibits archaic zun form with a wide mouth and tapered waist. The exterior is decorated with raised and boldly cast seal script characters against the smooth patinated ground. The patina is absolutely sublime, with traces of green, red, and amber, long ago smoothed away by either the individual who dug it up or one of the fortunate owners over the centuries. Whoever restored this piece did the perfect job of revealing the underlying bronze while retaining just the right amount of patina. The resulting effect is smooth and most tactilely pleasing. The interior still bears thick encrustations and hardened soil at the bottom. The rim exhibits a small chip, which occurred centuries ago, prior to patination, and since worn quite smooth with traces of green patina on the surface. We have conservatively dated this piece to the Song to Ming Dynasty, however we believe that it could be much older. With the very early reference to Penglai Shan, it is an important historic treasure.
Over the centuries, this superb bronze vessel may have graced temples, imperial households, or scholar's studios. As a zun, this piece may have been utilized to serve herbal elixirs or fermented beverages in Taoist rituals. It would have been especially appreciated during the Song and Ming Dynasties when archaeological treasures were unearthed in China and were collected by the aristocracy. If only it could tell of all that it has quietly witnessed.
Displays most elegantly, drawing attention from all the way across the room. Of significant size, measuring approximately 9.75" high and 6.75" wide at the rim. A tasteful and important historic masterpiece, rarely seen on the open market, representing the finest of the Chinese scholar's aesthetic. Would make an exquisite centerpiece for the discriminating connoisseur of world-class Chinese antiques or as museum acquisition.
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