What is this bronze vessel ... Chinese? ... Signed Yi Zhen!!

This is a small bronze container possibly for incense tools? Is it Qing Dynasty?

Don't get too excited but it is signed Yi Zhen! ... Oh really? Not THAT Yi Zhen, surely? Perhaps one of his 'off' days?

A similar vessel, with the same decoration and simple shape, has been described as a "Chinese antique copper vase - works of the Ming Dynasty - Hand-carved banana pattern, on four sides, used to store incense tools, belonging to the study room".

Another vessel, almost identical, has been described as an Arrow vase. This may be because the same pattern can be seen on some of the ancient "touhu" vases.

As for the mark on the base - it reads "Yi Zhen".

It stands 17.5cm/6.75 inches high. The widest diameter is 7cm/2.75 inches.

But can anyone tell me what this actually is?

 

Based on the cast signature I would say this is a decorative and a more modern-ish piece.

 

Mmm ... you're probably right ... someone has said that it is a 1920ish piece ... and 'decorative'? Yes, I can go along with that too. Thanks for the input blooey

 

I think much more likely made after 1977, when his tomb and a large collection of bronze objects was discovered. That is also consistent with the objects appearance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_Marquis_Yi_of_Zeng

 

OK ... for the tourist trade then? ... Suppose I could melt it down and make something myself (all I need is a furnace!!)

 

Yes, I would say so. A souvenir of a visit to the museum perhaps?

 

Thanks for that Jeff Drum ... we may be speaking again ... I'll be posting my other "find" tomorrow ... stay tuned - and keep calm until then ...