An Important and Published Chinese Bronze 'Yingluo' and Dragon-handled Vase

An Important and Published Chinese Bronze 'Yingluo' and Dragon-Handled Vase

Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasty, 17th Century

Pictured in the Jiangutang Catalogue of Rare Treasures, ex-G S. May Esquire and Elite Japanese Gallery Collections

This exceptionally cast, heavy bronze-alloy archaistic vase represents the zenith of scholar-studio taste from the 17th century, seamlessly bridging the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Modelled after ancient ritual vessels, the piece features a flared rim, a stout ovoid body, and a splayed pedestal foot.

The "Dragon Ears" Handles: The neck is flanked by two masterfully cast, openwork mythical creature handles—stylized chilong or bixie dragons—depicted with looped, dynamic bodies clambering up the neck panel towards the rim.

The Yingluo Tassel Motif: The shoulders of the vessel are draped with raised, lobed ruyi cloud collars featuring internal scrollwork. Cascading elegantly down the main body are intricate strings of cast beaded tassels (yingluo), an auspicious Buddhist-inspired motif heavily favored by elite late Ming connoisseurs.

Patination & Metalwork: The vessel exhibits an untouched, natural, deep chocolate-brown to near-black antique patina in its recessed details. Centuries of handling have beautifully rubbed the high-relief points, allowing the warm, golden-brass undertones of the copper alloy to peek through with stunning visual contrast. The surface shows authentic, minor casting irregularities and cooling pits consistent with traditional late Ming clay-mold craftsmanship.

Literature & Publication History

Published: This exact vase is illustrated and recorded on the interior pages of the exclusive Jiangutang collection and exhibition catalogue.

Catalogue Inscription: The volume is entitled Jiandutang Ji Zhen / "A Collection of Rare Treasures for Appreciating Antiquity"), categorizing the vase under the prestigious archaistic banner of Da Qing Zhen Wan, translating to "Precious Playthings / Treasured Curios of the Great Qing".

Unrivalled Provenance Pedigree

This vessel boasts an impeccable, ironclad paper trail tracing its journey through the absolute upper echelon of international private collections and elite Japanese art dealers:

The G. S. May Esquire Private Collection (London): Formally held within this highly prestigious British collection of fine art and high-connoisseurship East Asian metalwork.

Kyoto Yanagi Gallery (Japan): Sourced and handled within the legendary Yanagi gallery network under the direct stewardship of the prominent Japanese connoisseur, Mr. Yanagi Higashiko.

Tokyo Kankodo Gallery (Japan): Vetted, archived, and traded by Mr. Fuji of the prestigious Kankodo (Kenkodo gallery network. The accompanying archival documentation features their official stationery from their flagship location in the historic Kyobashi antique district of Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

Note: The original handwritten Japanese/English gallery correspondence and a copy of the official Jiangutang exhibition publication will be physically included with the purchase of this vessel to preserve its museum-grade archival history.