Description:

Lot 82. A RARE INSCRIBED CHINESE BRONZE EWER MADE FOR THE ISLAMIC MARKET
Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644

Cast in bronze with a warm brown patina, the ewer has a pear-shaped body rising to a slightly flaring neck with a domed lid hinged to a slender, backward-curving handle. The surface is finely engraved with scrolling vegetal motifs arranged in dense, symmetrical patterns, including a pronounced teardrop-shaped reserve on each side containing further delicate arabesque designs and an Arabic inscription. The long, tapering spout is smooth and undecorated, contrasting with the intricate ornament on the body. The lid is ribbed and surmounted by a pointed knop. Traces of age-related wear and minor encrustations are visible across the surface.

The reverse shows the continuation of the engraved decoration within the teardrop reserve and the hinge mechanism of the domed lid, with the handle and spout joining the vessel in smoothly cast mounts.

Bronze ewers of this form were produced in China for export to Muslim regions, where such vessels served both practical and ceremonial functions in domestic, courtly, and religious settings. Their hybrid aesthetic—Chinese casting techniques combined with Islamic calligraphy and ornament—reflects the artistic and cultural exchanges fostered by long-distance trade during the Ming period.

Measurements: Height 30 cm

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

December 16, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 31% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000