Dimensions: Height 15,5 cm Wide 12 cm Depth 12 cm

Weight: 1059 grams

A finely cast chinese bronze vase of waisted form, the shoulder encircled with a deeply worked high-relief band of writhing dragons amongst swirling clouds, the mythical beasts rendered with coiling, scaly bodies and horned heads, flanked by stylised beast-mask handles. Below, around the base, two figures of boys in traditional robes engage in playful stances around a small galloping dog, all meticulously modeled in full-round relief. Additional decorative motifs include finely incised floral and foliate embellishments rising from stylized rockwork. The composition demonstrates exceptional depth and movement, integrating playful subject matter with auspicious symbolism.

The bronze displays a brown patina with golden undertones.

The recessed base bears a six-character seal mark reading:

尾首自造 中原製造

尾首 (Weishou) – This may be a name or a poetic pseudonym (art name) of the artisan or workshop, though it is slightly unconventional and could also be symbolic.

自造 (zì zào) – "Self-made" or "Made by oneself"

中原 (Zhōngyuán) – "Central Plains" – a historical-geographical term referring to the cradle of Chinese civilization.

製造 (zhì zào) – "Manufactured" or "Made"

"Made by Weishou; Manufactured in the Central Plains"
or more elegantly,
"Crafted by Weishou in Zhongyuan"

Rich patination and fine detailing throughout underscore the skilled craftsmanship characteristic of late Qing dynasty bronze works, blending imperial iconography with lively domestic scenes.