Fine, Yuan Dynasty, Chinese Bronze Two-Handled Vase

This well-cast, pear-shaped vase dates to the 13th-14th century and is of quatrefoil, ribbed, baluster form. It stands on a quatrefoil, crenulated, tapered foot. The neck flares to a crenulated mouth that matches the foot.

The vase has two handles connecting it with its neck. The long, sinewy handles issue from unusually well-formed, horned dragon heads with upturned noses. The handles and monster-head supports are particularly refined.

The vase is decorated in low relief with a band of linked dragons on a worked ground just beneath the dragon heads. There is also a band of wave motifs around the foot.

The form of this bronze vase is based on ceramics of earlier periods, most particularly Song Dynasty Qingbai-glazed ceramics.

A related example of the bronze here is illustrated in Bromberg (2025, p.143). See a similar example (and another) in the British Museum.