A small Chinese bronze scholar’s vase

Of slender baluster form, this small and heavily cast bronze vase was intended for use upon the scholar’s table, combining restrained elegance with pleasing weight and presence. The vessel rises from a slightly spreading foot to a narrow neck, flanked by a pair of finely cast openwork handles of stylised foliate scroll form.

The shoulder is encircled by a band of archaistic geometric ornament, inspired by earlier archaic bronzes, providing contrast to the otherwise plain body.

The surface bears a warm, brown patina with areas of handling wear and natural variation, consistent with age and use.

Of particular note is an old and characterful repair to the base, ingeniously executed using a French 10 centime coin (dated 1987), set neatly into the foot.