Clothes iron - Bronze - silk ironing iron

Authentic and antique Chinese silk ironing iron from the late Qing dynasty, dating to the nineteenth century. This type of ironing pan was historically filled with glowing charcoal embers to heat the heavy bronze base, after which the instrument was used to press costly and delicate silk fabrics wrinkle-free without ash staining the textile. The object is made of solid cast bronze and features an original, decorated sleeve handle that flows into the authentic wooden grip. This handle served at the time as heat insulation to protect the user from the heat.

Around the exterior of the pan is a very refined decorative relief. Along the upper rim there is a geometric thunder pattern, also known as leiwen, which on the sides is combined with stylized lucky clouds. The transition from the pan to the handle is artistically cast in the form of a detailed dragon head or Taotie motif, a traditional symbol used in Chinese culture to ward off misfortune.

The iron is in a fair and untreated antique condition with a deep, original patina. The underside has been worn completely smooth by long-term manual use over textiles and shows no modern machine traces. Inside, the characteristic dark heat patina is visible, left by the burning charcoal. In the deeper parts of the relief there is natural copper oxidation and there are still traces of historic copper polishing, underscoring the well-worn character of this collectible object. The wooden handle shows light dry rot and aging wear at the end, but is firmly anchored in the sleeve, where the original securing holes are still clearly visible. With a total weight of 670 grams and overall dimensions of 10.7 centimeters high, 32 centimeters long and 14 centimeters wide, this object forms a complete and representative piece of Asian artisanal craftsmanship for the serious collector.

Dimensions: 10.7x32x14 cm
Weight: 670 g