This striking, three-legged tripod vessel, known as a Ding, is a replica inspired by ancient Chinese ritual bronzes (Shang or Zhou dynasty). It is made of a heavy metal alloy (often bronze or cast iron/metal with a finish) and features an all-over archaistic design of stylized animal motifs, possibly Taotie masks and Leiwen (thunder pattern). The metal has a beautiful dark, textured patina with prominent highlights of verdigris/oxidized turquoise on the raised surfaces, mimicking genuine ancient bronze. A practical touch is the removable, shiny gold-tone metal ashtray insert and an inner liner of pale green plastic/jadeite-style composite. The base is clearly marked "MADE IN TAIWAN" with additional Chinese characters, suggesting a manufacturing date of the mid-20th century (likely 1950s–1970s).
Archaistic Ritual Design: Modeled after an ancient Chinese bronze Ding, symbolizing power and high status.
Deep Verdigris Patina: The dark metal is heavily textured and treated with an eye-catching turquoise-green faux patina.
Functional Ashtray Insert: Includes a removable, bright gold-tone metal ring with cigarette rests and a pale jade-green insert, contrasting beautifully with the vessel's dark exterior.
Collectible Taiwanese Souvenir: Marked "MADE IN TAIWAN," this piece is a collector's item from a specific era of decorative exports.
Impressive Display Piece: Its robust size, tripod legs, and detailed design make it a commanding piece of desktop or shelf decor.
Two-Part Cover: The intricate cover has a loop-style handle modelled after ancient handles and can be fully removed.
Displaying this piece brings a dramatic, ancient-world aesthetic and an exotic touch of history to your space, making you feel like a worldly collector of treasures. It is a wonderfully unique and substantial gift for a collector of tobacciana, Asian decor, or heavy vintage metalware.
