Lot 53

Chinese Shang Dynasty Bronze Ceremonial Zoomorphic Vessel

Previous image preload Next image preload

Chinese Shang Dynasty Bronze Ceremonial Zoomorphic Vessel

Estimate: $500 - $1,500

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)

by Akiba Galleries
June 16, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
3 N. Federal Highway
Dania Beach, FL, US 33004

Chinese Shang Dynasty Bronze Ceremonial Zoomorphic Vessel
Circa 1600–1050 BCE., Chinese
This exceptional ritual bronze vessel dates to the Shang Dynasty, a pivotal era that defined the foundational religious and artistic traditions of ancient China. In Shang society, the king served as the high priest, making frequent sacrifices to his ancestors to ensure their happiness. This practice marked the birth of ancestor worship, one of Chinese culture's most enduring traditions. Bronze vessels played a critical role in these sacred ceremonies; they were used to present food and wine directly to ancestral spirits. The present vessel captures the Shang people's deep fascination with the animal and spirit worlds. It features highly stylized, intricate zoomorphic designs that wrap around the bronze body. Notably, most surviving examples of these magnificent vessels were discovered directly inside Shang Dynasty tombs.
‘Provenance: Estate of Antiquities and Tribal Art Collector in GA'

  • Dimensions: H: 8 1/4" Diameter: 9 3/8"
  • Condition: The bronze surfaces show characteristic signs of age, wear, and oxidation typical of ancient metalwork recovered from archaeological burial sites

    Unless otherwise stated, all information provided is the opinion of our specialists. Should you have any specific questions regarding the condition of this lot, please use the ask question button or send us an email to [email protected]

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping: Akiba Galleries can supply you with names of referred third party packers and shippers. Akiba Galleries will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of third party packers or shippers whether or not referred by Akiba Galleries . Items to be picked up by the buyer or agent for the buyer must be picked up within 10 calendar days following the auction.

Pick-up hours are M-F 10:30am to 4:30pm (EST). Items not picked up within 10 days will be placed in storage at a fee of $10.00 per item per day. All international customs, duties, and other tariffs are the responsibility of the buyer. Akiba Galleries and all third party shippers will declare the selling price as the value in all cases. In the event a purchased item cannot be delivered in the same condition as of the time of sale due to damage, theft, loss or mis-delivery Akiba Galleries Jr. LLC shall not be liable for any amount in excess of that paid by the buyer.

Akiba Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $20,000:
28.00%
$20,001 - $50,000:
25.00%
$50,001+:
22.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $24,999 $1,000
$25,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $249,999 $10,000
$250,000 + $25,000