Large Bronze Offering Steamer Han Dynasty 206 Bc-220 Ac Archaeology China

Large bronze offering steamer HAN dynasty 206 BC-220 AC The steamer is made up of three parts, a bowl, a semi-covered cup and an inverted bowl pierced with grids This steamer was used for cooking food intended for offerings during ceremonies. This type of liturgical object was the first bronze cult utensils to be used in China Before the Han period, bronzes were extremely rare and precious sometimes with a votive vocation. Under the Han dynasty bronzes were produced in greater quantities for the high aristocracy by perfecting the casting methods. Thus some bronzes like this one could be produced to be used for religious rites. Bronze slightly oxidized, has a beautiful green and white patina. Dimensions 23 x 25 x 25 cm Comes from a private collection in France in Paris