Vase 17th - 18th century

This bronze vase was made by Shisou sometime between 1600 and 1649. The material is fundamental here. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and requires considerable effort to mine, smelt, and cast. The production process would have involved creating a mold, pouring molten bronze, and then finishing the surface. The inscriptions on the vase indicate the cultural value of the piece. Bronze objects were often associated with ritual and status in Chinese society, so every aspect of this work, from the inherent qualities of the metal to the refined surface, speaks to social standing. Consider also the labor involved: mining, smelting, casting, and inscription – each step requires a skilled hand. In this light, the vase transcends mere decoration. It becomes a testament to the ingenuity and the social hierarchies that underpin its creation. Appreciating this involves moving beyond aesthetics, and understanding the world of work that brought the vase into being.