CHINESE Large ARCHAIC Bronze Vessel Censer Bowl with Mask & Key Ruyi Decoration

Large, heavy antique Chinese bronze vessel.  Footed bowl or censer, featuring 3 high relief mask decorations and engraved archaic key/ruyi scroll design around main body and foot. 

Measures 13 1/4" x 5 1/2" tall.

Excellent condition, distinct green patina. Heavy, weighing 13 1/2 pounds. This is a later creation, most likely late 19th century, modeled after much older "archaic" bronze vessels from dynasties like the Shang (1600 - 1046 BCE) or Zhou (1046-256 BCE. In ancient China, similar vessels like the pan (a shallow water basin) were used for ritual washings.

10829-6