Western Zhou Bronze Double – Dragon Vase | A Millennium – Old Bronze Art Treasure with Copper – Red and Green Patina for Generational Collection
[Collection Overview]
This item is a fine example of Western Zhou bronze ritual vessels – the Double – Dragon Vase. Cast entirely in pure bronze, it has undergone a millennium of precipitation, naturally forming a unique “copper – red and green patina” on its body. The green patina with a hint of red is well – layered, which is a distinct sign of the long – standing age of the bronze ware. The vase has a stately and substantial shape. On both sides, there are high – relief double – dragon handles. The dragon bodies are coiled, with their scales and claws clearly visible. The belly of the vessel is fully covered with delicate patterns, and there are ancient inscriptions cast on the neck, demonstrating the lofty status of Western Zhou bronze ritual vessels as “embodiments of rituals,” and possessing historical, artistic, and collection values simultaneously.
[Material and Craftsmanship]
-
Bronze Material: It is cast with the typical high – purity bronze of the Western Zhou period. The copper is dense, and the vessel wall is uniform. It is formed by the mold – casting method, with delicate seams, reflecting the specifications of ritual vessels in the pre – Qin era, where “the most important affairs of the state are sacrifice and warfare.”
-
Copper – Red and Green Patina: The stable rust layer formed by a thousand years of natural oxidation. The green rust contains warm colors from the underlying copper – red base. The rust color adheres firmly without peeling, which is an important basis for authenticating the bronze ware and also shows the unique beauty bestowed by time.
-
Traditional Casting: Combining the integral casting and separate casting techniques, the double – dragon handles are cast integrally with the vase body. Details such as the dragon heads and scales are created by combining openwork and low – relief, with smooth lines and a strong sense of three – dimensionality, recreating the exquisite skills of Western Zhou bronze craftsmen.
[Design Highlights]
1. Double – Dragon – Playing – with – Pearl Handles | A Symbol of Authority and Auspiciousness
On both sides of the vase body, there are symmetrically decorated double – dragon handles looking back. The dragon bodies are coiled in an “S” shape. The dragon heads are held high, with their snouts curled upwards and their horns swept back. The outlines of the eyes, nose, and mouth are clear. The dragon scales are represented by fine mesh patterns, and the dragon tails are curled into hooks, naturally connecting with the neck and belly of the vase. Dragons were symbols of royal authority in the Western Zhou period. The design of the double – dragons protecting the vase not only shows the solemnity of the ritual vessel but also contains auspicious meanings.
2. Layered Treasure – Lotus Patterns | A Classic Pattern Vocabulary of the Western Zhou Dynasty
The belly of the vessel is composed of three layers of pattern bands: the upper layer is the “cloud – thunder ground pattern,” which is as fine as a woven fabric and serves as the base; the middle layer is decorated with “interlaced – curve patterns,” with flowing curves and symmetrical balance, which are typical patterns of ritual vessels in the middle of the Western Zhou Dynasty; the lower layer is supplemented with “nipple – dot patterns,” with raised dots, forming a yin – yang contrast with the linear patterns. The overall patterns are complex but not chaotic, reflecting the aesthetic system of the Western Zhou Dynasty that “rituals have different grades.”
3. Neck Inscriptions | A Carrier of Historical Information
There are several lines of inscriptions vertically cast on the neck of the vase. The characters are in the bronze inscriptions of the middle Western Zhou period, with thick strokes and square structures. Although some of the characters are slightly blurred due to years of wear, the overall composition is rigorous. It is suspected that they record historical events such as sacrifices, appointments, or rewards, providing physical evidence for the study of Western Zhou social culture (detailed interpretation requires further archaeological identification).
[Historical Background]
The Western Zhou Dynasty (approximately 1046 BC – 771 BC) was the heyday of the Chinese Bronze Age. Bronze wares were not only practical utensils but also important ritual vessels for “distinguishing nobility and commoners, and differentiating ranks,” and were widely used in important occasions such as sacrifices, banquets, and court visits. The shape and pattern style of this Double – Dragon Vase are highly consistent with those of the传世 “Song Ding” and “Shi Ju Gui” and other Western Zhou bronze wares. It is speculated that it was a wine – holding ritual vessel used by the noble class at that time, carrying the spiritual core of Western Zhou ritual and music civilization.
[Collection Value]
-
Rarity of the Era: Western Zhou bronze ritual vessels are scarce in the world, and those with double – dragon handles and inscriptions are even rarer, making them a popular category among museums and private collectors at home and abroad.
-
Representativeness of Craftsmanship: It fully demonstrates the comprehensive techniques of Western Zhou bronze casting, such as mold – casting, relief, and inscription – casting, and is a classic model of ancient Chinese metal craftsmanship.
-
Cultural Heritage: As a material carrier of Eastern civilization, this item integrates Western Zhou ritual and music culture, dragon culture, and bronze art, providing collectors with a unique experience of touching a millennium of history.
[Collection Condition and Maintenance]
-
Overall Condition: The vessel is intact, with no obvious cracks or repair marks. The copper – red and green patina is naturally formed and firmly attached. The details of the patterns and inscriptions are clearly distinguishable.
-
Maintenance Suggestions: Avoid placing it in a humid, high – temperature, or direct – sunlight environment for a long time; when cleaning, use a soft brush to gently sweep away the dust, and do not use chemical reagents; when displaying, it can be paired with a dust – proof glass cover to maintain the stability of the patina.
[VirtuCasa Collector’s Selection]
This item comes from an old overseas private collection. After visual inspection by bronze ware identification experts, it is confirmed to be a bronze treasure that conforms to the craftsmanship characteristics of the Western Zhou period. Adhering to the concept of “inheriting Eastern civilization and connecting global collectors,” we provide high – definition detailed pictures and real – condition descriptions for each collection, ensuring a smooth journey for your collection.
The charm of a millennium – old bronze, encapsulating the Western Zhou Dynasty in one vessel – this Double – Dragon Vase is waiting to meet a true connoisseur collector.
Note: For detailed information such as the size and weight of the collection, please consult our customer service. A “Handbook of Western Zhou Bronze Ware Culture” and a professional dust – proof display stand will be given as gifts upon purchase.
西周青銅雙龍瓶｜千年青銅藝術瑰寶 紅銅綠銹傳世珍藏
【藏品概述】
本品為西周時期青銅禮器精品——雙龍瓶，採用純青銅鑄造，歷經千年歲月沉澱，器身自然形成獨特的「紅銅綠銹」包漿，綠中透紅，層次分明，是青銅器年代久遠的鮮明標誌。瓶體造型端莊渾厚，兩側飾有高浮雕雙龍耳，龍身蟠曲，鱗爪畢現，器腹滿布精緻紋飾，頸部鑄有古朴銘文，展現西周青銅禮器「藏禮於器」的崇高地位，兼具歷史價值、藝術價值與收藏價值。
【材質與工藝】
-
青銅質地：選用西周時期典型高純度青銅鑄造，銅質堅密，器壁均勻，經范鑄法成型，接縫細膩，體現先秦「國之大事，在祀與戎」的禮器規格。
-
紅銅綠銹：千年自然氧化形成的穩定銹層，綠色鏽體中夾雜紅銅底胎透出的暖色，銹色堅硬附著，無剝落現象，為青銅器真偽鑒定的重要依據，亦展現時光賦予的獨特美感。
-
傳統鑄造：結合渾鑄、分鑄工藝，雙龍耳與瓶體一體鑄造，龍首、龍鱗等細節採用透雕與淺浮雕結合，線條流暢，立體感強，再現西周青銅匠師精湛技藝。
【設計亮點】
1. 雙龍戲珠耳｜權威與祥瑞的象征
瓶體兩側對稱飾有回首雙龍耳，龍身蟠曲呈「S」形，龍首高昂，吻部上卷，雙角後揚，眼、鼻、口輪廓清晰，龍鱗以細密網紋表現，龍尾捲曲成鉤狀，與瓶頸、瓶腹自然銜接。龍為西周時期王室權威的象征，雙龍護瓶造型既顯禮器莊嚴，又蘊含吉祥寓意。
2. 層疊寶相紋｜西周經典紋飾語彙
器腹以三層紋飾帶構成：上層為「雲雷地紋」，細密如織，作為基底；中層飾「竊曲紋」，曲線流轉，對稱均衡，為西周中期典型禮器紋樣；下層輔以「乳釘紋」，圓點凸起，與線狀紋飾形成陰陽對比，整體紋飾繁而不亂，體現「禮有等差」的西周審美體系。
3. 頸部銘文｜歷史信息的載體
瓶頸處豎向鑄有數行銘文，字體為西周中期金文，筆畫渾厚，結構方正，雖部分字跡因歲月磨損略顯模糊，但整體章法嚴謹，疑為記載祭祀、冊命或賞賜等史事，為研究西周社會文化提供實物佐證（詳細釋讀需進一步考古學鑒定）。
【歷史背景】
西周（約前1046年—前771年）是中國青銅時代的鼎盛時期，青銅器不僅是實用器皿，更是「明貴賤，辨等列」的禮儀重器，被廣泛用於祭祀、宴飲、朝聘等重要場合。本品雙龍瓶造型與紋飾風格，與西周中期「頌鼎」「師遽簋」等傳世青銅器高度吻合，推測為當時貴族階層使用的盛酒禮器，承載著西周禮樂文明的精神內核。
【收藏價值】
-
時代珍貴性：西周青銅禮器存世量稀少，雙龍耳帶銘文者更屬鳳毛麟角，為海內外博物館與私人收藏熱門品類。
-
工藝代表性：完整展現西周青銅范鑄、浮雕、銘文鑄刻等綜合工藝，是中國古代金屬工藝的經典範本。
-
文化傳承力：作為東方文明的物質載體，本品將西周禮樂文化、龍文化與青銅藝術融為一體，為收藏者提供觸摸千年歷史的獨特體驗。
【藏品狀況與保養】
-
整體狀況：器形完整，無明顯裂痕或修補痕跡，紅銅綠銹為自然生成，附著牢固，紋飾與銘文細節清晰可辨。
-
保養建議：避免長期置於潮濕、高溫或陽光直射環境；清潔時用軟毛刷輕掃灰塵，禁用化學試劑；陳列時可搭配防塵玻璃罩，以延續銹層穩定性。
【VirtuCasa藏家臻選】
本品源於海外私人舊藏，經青銅器鑒定專家目檢，確認為符合西周時期工藝特徵的青銅珍品。我們堅持「傳承東方文明，連接全球藏家」的理念，每件藏品均提供高清細節圖與真實狀況說明，為您的收藏之路保駕護航。
千年青銅韻，一器藏西周——此件雙龍瓶，期待與真正懂它的藏家相遇。
附：藏品尺寸、重量等詳細資訊請諮詢客服，購買即贈「西周青銅器文化手冊」與專業防塵陳列架
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.