Chinese Brass 'Dragon' Dish with Apocryphal Mark

Name: Chinese Brass 'Dragon' Dish with Apocryphal Mark
Brand: ekruidhof
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Vintage Chinese brass dish with embossed dragon design and a heavily stylized reign mark on the reverse. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$100 - $300

Rarity

Average(4/10)

CHINESE BRASS 'DRAGON' DISH WITH APOCRYPHAL MARK: IDENTIFICATION

This is a circular brass dish, likely intended for decorative use, featuring extensive repoussé work. The primary motif on the obverse is a finely detailed, five-clawed dragon encircling a central boss, which is itself decorated with a geometric pattern. The border is adorned with Greek key (meander) patterns and auspicious cloud motifs. The reverse features a raised central mark, deeply recessed into the brass, which appears to be a stylized Imperial reign mark. The overall presentation is characteristic of Chinese brassware produced for both domestic and export markets.

Compare with other Asian art pieces in the archive: Chinese Archaistic Carved Jade Figure, Hongshan/Shang Style, Balinese Art Deco Wooden Sculpture of a Winged Celestial (Kinnari), Chinese Archaistic 'Taotie' and 'Chilong' Jade Pendant.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 33 asian items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

The reign mark on the reverse appears heavily stylized and difficult to decipher clearly from the image, often indicative of an apocryphal mark from a later period.
Brassware of this type with traditional motifs was mass-produced for export, making it challenging to attribute to a specific workshop or exact period without further examination.
The quality of the repoussé is good, but not exceptional enough to immediately suggest Imperial workshop production.

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

ASIAN ART SCHOLAR'S TAKE

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

The visual evidence clearly indicates Chinese decorative brassware with traditional motifs. My confidence in the 'estimated era' and 'authenticity risk' is moderate due to the ambiguity of the mark, which is a common challenge with such items. Further clarity on the mark would refine the assessment.

KEY EVIDENCE

1The primary material is brass, exhibiting typical patination and oxidation for its age.
2The obverse features a prominent five-clawed dragon motif, a classic symbol of Chinese imperial power and good fortune.
3The reverse has a deeply impressed, highly stylized character mark which appears to be an apocryphal reign mark rather than an authentic one.
4Decorative elements include traditional Greek key (meander) patterns and cloud motifs, common in Chinese art.
5The repoussé technique is clearly visible, shaping the metal from the reverse to create the raised design on the front.

UNCERTAINTIES

•The reign mark on the reverse is indistinct and highly stylized, which often suggests it is a decorative or apocryphal mark rather than a genuine imperial one.
•The overall quality, while good, doesn't immediately suggest a high-end Imperial workshop, but rather commercial production typical of the early to mid-20th century.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→A magnified close-up image of the reign mark on the reverse would be crucial for any attempt at translation or identification.
→Examination of the foot-rim (if any) and overall construction to assess the manufacturing techniques and potential age.
→Comparison with known examples of documented Chinese brassware from different periods to pinpoint stylistic nuances.
→Consider material analysis to confirm the composition of the alloy more precisely if there are doubts about it being brass.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The dish exhibits clear signs of age and use, including overall oxidation, verdigris buildup in relief details, and some surface scratches consistent with handling and environmental exposure. No significant dents or structural damage are immediately apparent.