Antique Chinese Gold Gilt Dragon Tripod Ding

An exquisite gold gilt brass ding with amazing dragon , phoenix in etch details. Which also includes a pair of dragon and phoenix handles, three foo dog lion face as tripod base. Ding were never commonly used for cooking or rituals after the Han dynasty, but during the Song dynasty, their form saw a resurgence in ceramic as an incense burner. As a stalwart icon, ding have become closely associated with China’s cultural patrimony. A unique piece likely made sometime after the 19th century base on the motif and work. It well represents one’s special eye for rare antique objects. Originally own by a private collector who purchased in Hong Kong during 1960-70’s.

The Chinese cauldron, known as a Ding (鼎), is one of the most important ritual bronzes from ancient China, symbolizing power, authority, and the Mandate of Heaven. Originally used for cooking meat, it evolved into a sacred vessel for offering food to ancestors and deities.

Some of the symbolic meaning of the cauldron:
Political Power: The “Nine Tripod Cauldrons” (九鼎) represent the ultimate symbol of imperial power, representing China’s nine provinces and the legitimacy of the ruler.
Social Hierarchy: Strict regulations existed on the usage of dings. The Son of Heaven (Emperor) used nine, while nobles used seven, and ministers used five.
Cosmology: The round body of the vessel often represented the sky, while the square represented the earth.

“Abolish the Old and Establish the New” (革故鼎新): The I Ching (An important Taoist Book, which commonly known as The Book of Changes) lists a “Cauldron” hexagram, meaning that just as a cauldron transforms raw food into cooked food, it represents the transformation of society, the removal of the old, and the establishment of new rule.

In good condition. Rare one of a kind!

Dimension: 7″ x 9″ x 8.5″

Antique piece. Sell in used, pre-owned condition. Vintage and antique items by nature have variable amounts of wear, imperfections, signs of use, age and time. Perfectly imperfect. Condition shown as in pictures. Kindly contact us if you need more info. or detail pictures.