A Chinese inscribed archaistic bronze 'Ding' tripod cauldron, Northern Song

H.: 20 cm - Dia.: 16 cm

Weight: 1717 grams

The inscription on the inside reads 'Ran Ding' 冉鼎.

As a sensitive and talented artist, Huizong of the Northern Song dynasty had a strong personal interest in antiquities and classical art. He replicated a well known group of high quality archaistic bronzes based on the ancient ones. For example, a bronze 'Ding' cast in the Zhenghe period (1110-18), was modelled on a Shang prototype (link).

Like the Zhenghe 'Ding', our current 'Ran Ding' displays a high level of similarity to a Shang prototype, which was likely a creation from the Northern Song royal workshop and is not found in bronzes of later periods. A comparable Shang period example with similar taotie masks was sold by Christie’s on 24 Mar 2011 (link).

Compared with archaic bronzes from the bronze age, the copper content in bronzes from the Song dynasty is low. This confirms the dating of our current piece, as historical records mention a copper deficiency in this period. At the same time, the high lead content is likely to be the reason why the surfaces of Zhenghe ding and Ran ding are prone to tarnishing or darker patinas, unlike bronzes of later periods.

Condition: (UV-checked)
- The cauldron generally in very good condition, with normal minor superficial wear and very nice patination.
- A few superficial dents throughout due to casting.
- A section retouched of ca. 3 cm to the rim and an ancient restoration under one handle.

品相報告：（已用紫外線光檢查）
- 香爐整體狀況非常良好，正常磨損，包漿渾厚。
- 爐身幾處由於鑄造失誤造成的微小凹痕。
- 口沿一處修復痕跡約3釐米，其中一個耳周圍有老的修復。