A Chinese ram-shaped silver-inlaid bronze 'xizun' vessel, Ming

L.: 37,5 cm - H.: 30 cm
Weight: 6,5 kg.

The lid on the vessel is a modern cast.

Provenance:
- J.T.Tai & Company, New York, prior to 1992 (J. T. Tai passed away in 1992). (see added scans)
- Sotheby's, New York, March 22, 2011, lot 225. (link)
- Mentioned on The City Review. (link)
- With James Naylor, Shibui Art Gallery, as visible on this Youtube video (1:24). (link)
- Acquired by a Belgian private collector.

Ref.:
- Sotheby's, New York, March 15, 2017, lot 565, for a tapir-shaped vessel also dated Ming. (link)
- Sotheby's, Hong Kong, April 8, 2013, lot 171, for another  tapir-shaped vessel also dated Ming. (link)
- Christie's, New York, Sep. 19, 2014, lot 1039, for a double-ram vessel, dated 14/17th C. (link)

Condition:
- Generally in good condition.
- Superficial patination throughout.
- Important losses to the applied gilt- and silver inlay throughout.