Chinese Bronze Vases, 19th Century

Striking pair of antique Chinese vases made of bronze at the end of the 19th century (Qing Dynasty) or the beginning of XX Century. They are two ancient and very special pieces because they are made of a quite noble material (bronze) and decorated with great embossed motives. Both vases are of similar shape and size, but their decoration is slightly different. The embossed patterns depict two dragons, one for each vase, which evolve and coil up around the vases. In Chinese mythology, the dragon is composed of nine different animals parts: snakes tail, fishs scales, lions hair, eagles claws, dogs nose, oxs snout, lobsters eyes, deers horns and catfishs moustaches. The vases surface shows a rustic texture in some parts, which surely imitates a rocks surface. The quality of the metalwork and its great detail turn these vases in very appealing pieces. The terrible mythological animals coil up around the vases as if they were alive. The reliefs are slightly abstract, and in some parts the dragons blend into the rocky ground. We can see clearly the snakes bodies of both animals: the lobster-like antennas, the claws with sharp nails, the bony tails A great amount of incredible details which provide these vases with an imposing presence. These vases are undoubtedly two magnificent pieces of metalwork. The bronzes reddish brown color provides the embossed motives with a particular feeling of reality, and enhances their beauty even more. This pair of vases is surely a first class article because of their lovely metalwork and the noble material the pieces are made of. An excellent acquisition that will stand out like no other in any showcase or shelf intended to exhibit the most appealing pieces. Measurements: 160 mm width x 315 mm height.