Rare Small Chinese Han Dynasty Bronze Ding (Published)

This bronze ding was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). Its form, that of a three-legged covered cooking vessel, is well-known amongst Han Dynasty bronzes. However, most examples are larger; this is a rare small example. The body stands on three legs that are in the form of bears. On either side of the vessel are square handles. The round cover is surmounted by three decorative animal-head handles, designed so that it can be turned upside-down and used as a dish. The outer surface is covered in malachite (green) corrosion whereas the inner surfaces are covered, not only by malachite corrosion, but also attractive azurite (blue) corrosion.

Diameter 12.5 cm. There is an old repair to the cover.

This ding has been in a private English collection for the last twenty years or so. It is illustrated on page 82 of the 2001 book "Authentication of Ancient Chinese Bronzes" by Anthony J. Allen (ISBN 0-473-08045-1), where even the old repair is pointed out!

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