Antique 17th-19th Century Chinese Ming or Qing Dynasty Bronze Brush Washer

Authentic antique cast bronze brush washer of the compressed globular body with rounded sides terminating with lipped rim, 17th-19th century(Ming or Qing Dynasty), China.

Cast in full relief with a pair of chilong dragons clambering along the side with their front claws grasping the rim and long bifurcated curled tails.

The recessed base is cast and chiseled with the Chinese character "Xuan" within a square.

This Chinese character "Xuan" is possibly an abbreviation for the Chinese Ming Xuan De reign "Da Ming Xuan De Nian Zhi" (made in Ming dynasty Xuan de reign).

Chinese bronzes marked "Xuan" continued to be made until the late Qing dynasty and recently are produced in large numbers in China as reproductions of ancient Chinese bronzes (many of them are marked with Ming dynasty reign marks).

It is difficult to determine the actual date when this bronze was made; however, after careful examination of the entire brush washer through a strong magnifying glass (the method of casting, the close inspection of the mark "Xuan," dents, bangs, and scratches on the surface, patina and the examination of the interior) there is no doubt that this is an authentic antique over 100 years old object.

CONDITION: It shows age and uses, dark patina, dents, bangs, and scratches on the entire surface.

DIMENSIONS

Width across the dragons: 10.7 cm (4.2 inches)

Height including dragons: 5 cm (2 inches)

WEIGHT: 274 grams (9.7 ounces).