Any Idea's? Stamped on the rear.

Where to begin. . .size, material, what were you told about it, what country was it bought in, etc.?

 

L 8 1/4 H 7 1/4. I have found Han/Zhou Dynasty. None with a stamp like this? On the rear. Bought in US, Bronze

 

Also doesn't have oil tray for lamp.

 

Greetings, James!

What is the connection to the Han/Zhou Dynasty?

 

That is bits and pieces that I've found. Nothing much. I've found three different styles.

 

https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1583160/eastern-zhou-dynasty.jpg

 

Yes, it is a replica of a Zhou dynasty bronze animal. In previous dynasties these model animals were often used for storage of ritual food, and put in the grave of an important person.
Unlike the early bronze animals, not all of the Zhou ones have holes or trays. They could have been the replicas of the day. The Chinese have valued antiques and historic styles for over a thousand years. So yours looks like a replica of an early replica. It is nice, I always like those Archaic Chinese motifs.

 

Ok. Thank you. So all are replicas? https://www.ebay.com/itm/2030817216...rentrq:d914f9ad17a0a9bd5170c341fff6fb7a|iid:1

 

I'm sorry I can't add anything to the discussion as it's way out of my area but your photos are absolutely beautiful!

 

Thank you.

 

Yes, that one is too. Exporting items from Chinese archaeological sites is prohibited.
Occasionally Chinese period bronzes appear on the international market that have been in old private collections elsewhere. Not that every 'old private collection' claim is true, unfortunately it is also something Western sellers use to deceive.

When it comes to Chinese ebay sellers, there are specific clues in the description which are clear to Chinese authorities, but not so much to others. For instance, that seller never claims it is from a certain period. He calls it old, which could mean made last year.
He goes on to say the following:
- "I am very interested in our China's 5,000 years of ancient civilization." This only explains his personal interest, not what is in the listing.
- "My collection includes variety of traditional crafts 56 ethnic groups in China." That explains the variety of cultures he sources his items from. It also talks about 'crafts', not antiques or antiquities. In this case crafts means recently made.

This way the authorities know that he is not illegally exporting an archaeological bronze. On the other hand, unsuspecting novice buyers could fall for certain terms.

And then there is this:
"Weight: KG----included the weight of packing materials".
My assumption is he doesn't include the actual weight because it is bound to be considerably higher than that of a true period piece, and collectors know it.

 

Thank you. For the Knowledge and expertise.