444 - (R) AN AGATE DING VESSEL, CARVED WITH DRAGON HANDLES, CHINA, ABOUT 1850

(R) AN AGATE DING VESSEL, CARVED WITH DRAGON HANDLES, CHINA, ABOUT 1850 Dimensions: Height 16 cm Wide 24 cm Depth 14 cm Weight: 1745 grams An elegant Chinese agate ding vessel carved around 1850 in an archaistic ritual-bronze form. The rounded body stands on three sturdy short feet and is flanked by deeply worked dragon-mask handles suspending freely carved rings. The beautifully polished agate displays translucent cream, milky white and softly clouded beige tones, with the natural colour variations enhancing the sculptural form. Qing-dynasty hardstone carvings often drew inspiration from ancient bronze ritual vessels, reinterpreting their symbolic shapes in precious material. Here the classic ding silhouette is given a refined nineteenth-century character through the graceful dragon handles, carefully undercut details and luminous polished stone, making the vessel an impressive Chinese scholar's display piece. For lots marked with (R), a 19% VAT is added to the combined hammer price and commission. This VAT is waived for: - Private buyers outside the EU who officially export the items.- Businesses inside the EU holding a valid VAT number, exporting to their home country. Proper export documentation is required to waive the VAT