Antique Chinese Gold Gilt Phoenix On Gourd Urn

An exquisite gold gilt on copper piece with amazing handicraft work. With phoenix and mandarin ducks delicately etched all over the surface. A perfect piece on the counter top which represents one’s special eye for perfection. Though in category of vessels. Originally own by a personal collector who purchased in Hong Kong during 1960-70’s.

Gold has been considered a symbol of wealth and social status since High Antiquity, much like bronze, jade and silk. However, unlike silver, which became the main monetary metal during the Ming era, gold was only used to make or embellish luxury objects such as dinner services and jewellery. During the Ming Period (1368-1644), gold craftsmanship achieved unparalleled luxury and delicacy.

When the Ming emperors came into power, one of the first measures they took was to reinstate the customs and clothing of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, which were considered the paragons of Chinese tradition. Gold, jade and silver accessories and jewellery (hairpins and ornaments, belt buckles and loops, scarf pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets) became an essential part of elite attire. Just like clothing, they indicated the status and class of the wearer. In fact, they were even subject to a specific law which stipulated how they may be worn depending on one’s status.The law aimed to restrict the use of precious materials while reserving certain motifs (which served as insignia) for members of the imperial family and a few senior figures. Officially, the dragon, pheasant and phoenix were exclusively for the emperor and a few members of his close family.

At the turn of the 15th century and particularly in the 16th century (period to which most of these pieces have been attributed), the production of gold objects flourished. Some of the most remarkable pieces were decorated with gemstones.The choice of motif was also of decisive importance. In addition to being insignia, they were believed to bring wealth, happiness, health and longevity to the wearer. Flowers and birds were traditionally associated with the seasons and brought good fortune. The prunus evoked the beauty of winter, the peony abundance and spring, the lotus purity and summer, and the chrysanthemum integrity and autumn.

In good condition. Rare one of a kind!

Dimension: 4″ x 4″ x 4″

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.