Antique Chinese Bronze Archaistic Vase Xuande Mark Taotie Band Verdigris 6\" For Sale

An antique patinated bronze vase in the archaistic taste, Chinese late Qing/Republic period or possibly Japanese Meiji era, circa 1900–1940. The pear-shaped (hu-form) body rises to a waisted neck and flared rim, encircled at the shoulder by a finely cast band of stylized kui dragons and taotie masks on a key-fret (leiwen) ground with gilt highlighting, flanked by small vestigial flanges. The surface carries a rich mottled green verdigris patina in imitation of ancient excavated bronze.

The base bears a cast six-character vertical mark reading Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi (\"Made in the Xuande reign of the Great Ming\"). This is an apocryphal/honorific mark, as commonly found on bronzes of this era, and is not represented as a Ming-period date.

Measurements: Approximately 6\" tall. Weight: 11.15 oz

Condition: Very good antique condition with attractive, even patina and crisp casting. Please see photos, which form part of the description.

Updated Item Specifics: Change Region of Origin to China, Age to 1900–1940, and add Maker: Apocryphal Xuande mark to base.大明宣德年製 (Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi) — \"Made in the Xuande reign of the Great Ming.\"