Han-Viet Bronze Bowl - 8 cm - Ritual bowl
Starting bid
€ 1
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Description from the seller
Ritual or Usual Bowl
Han-Viet (Northern Vietnam)
Western Han to Eastern Han Dynasty
1st century BCE – 2nd century CE
Bronze with a surface heavily mineralized due to prolonged burial in a damp/acidic environment.
Dimensions: Height: 8 cm; Opening diameter: 13.5 cm
Condition:
Very beautiful state of archaeology. Structural integrity preserved with a natural slight tension crack on the rim. The surface shows a millennial concretion remarkable, mixing dark cuprous patina, green copper carbonates (malachite) and occasional inlays of bright blue azurite inside the vessel.
This deep hemispherical bronze bowl rests on a slightly domed flat base. The walls flare regularly and harmoniously toward a thin-lipped upper rim on the right. The sobriety of its silhouette, free of incised or relief decoration on the exterior wall, is representative of utilitarian bronze tableware and funerary wares produced during the Han dynasty in northern Vietnam (Red River basin region).
The major interest of this piece lies in the quality and richness of its mineralization. The exterior develops a crust of earthy, greenish oxidation with encusted areas of malachite green. The interior offers a striking contrast with intense green malachite crystallization and pockets of cobalt blue azurite well preserved, direct testimony to the specific composition of the copper alloy and the burial conditions in brick tombs of the Han-Viet period.
The so-called Han-Viet period corresponds to the first period of Chinese domination over northern Vietnam (Annam / Tonkin), following the conquest of the kingdom of Giao Chỉ (Jiaozhi) by Emperor Han Wudi in 111 BCE. This era is marked by a fascinating material and cultural synthesis.
The region already possessed a bronze metallurgical tradition of exceptional mastery (illustrated by the famous bronze drums and ritual objects of the Dong Son). The Chinese governors, military and colonizers brought with them administrative forms, funerary rites (arched tombs made of brick) and bronze tableware typical of the Han world (bowls, lipped cups erbei, lian vessels, lamps and mirrors). Bronze vessels like this bowl were produced for both daily life of Sinicized elites and to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateRitual or Usual Bowl
Han-Viet (Northern Vietnam)
Western Han to Eastern Han Dynasty
1st century BCE – 2nd century CE
Bronze with a surface heavily mineralized due to prolonged burial in a damp/acidic environment.
Dimensions: Height: 8 cm; Opening diameter: 13.5 cm
Condition:
Very beautiful state of archaeology. Structural integrity preserved with a natural slight tension crack on the rim. The surface shows a millennial concretion remarkable, mixing dark cuprous patina, green copper carbonates (malachite) and occasional inlays of bright blue azurite inside the vessel.
This deep hemispherical bronze bowl rests on a slightly domed flat base. The walls flare regularly and harmoniously toward a thin-lipped upper rim on the right. The sobriety of its silhouette, free of incised or relief decoration on the exterior wall, is representative of utilitarian bronze tableware and funerary wares produced during the Han dynasty in northern Vietnam (Red River basin region).
The major interest of this piece lies in the quality and richness of its mineralization. The exterior develops a crust of earthy, greenish oxidation with encusted areas of malachite green. The interior offers a striking contrast with intense green malachite crystallization and pockets of cobalt blue azurite well preserved, direct testimony to the specific composition of the copper alloy and the burial conditions in brick tombs of the Han-Viet period.
The so-called Han-Viet period corresponds to the first period of Chinese domination over northern Vietnam (Annam / Tonkin), following the conquest of the kingdom of Giao Chỉ (Jiaozhi) by Emperor Han Wudi in 111 BCE. This era is marked by a fascinating material and cultural synthesis.
The region already possessed a bronze metallurgical tradition of exceptional mastery (illustrated by the famous bronze drums and ritual objects of the Dong Son). The Chinese governors, military and colonizers brought with them administrative forms, funerary rites (arched tombs made of brick) and bronze tableware typical of the Han world (bowls, lipped cups erbei, lian vessels, lamps and mirrors). Bronze vessels like this bowl were produced for both daily life of Sinicized elites and to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Han-Viet
Title additional information
Ritual bowl
Century/timeframe
Ier siècle av. J.-C. – IIe siècle apr. J.-C.
Acquired from
Private collection
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Vietnam
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Belgium
Material
Bronze
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1987
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Height
8 cm
Width
13.5 cm
Depth
13.5 cm
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
