Archaic Chinese Bronze Water Basin with Mask and Loose-Ring Handles (Jian) axehead Some scholars suggest they may

Some scholars suggest they may have served as guardians of the deceased or ritual objects tied to Bura burial practices

Encrusted green patina and corrosion

and organic matter

produced during the Angkor period of the Khmer Empire

and western (nyaura) subgroups

Archaic Chinese Bronze Water Basin with Mask and Loose-Ring Handles (Jian) axehead Some scholars suggest they mayLate Warring States Period or Western Han Dynasty, c. 260 BC 220 AD, Probably from southern Shanxi or northern Henan province, China A magnificent and substantial ancient Chinese bronze basin, known as a jian, elegantly cast with deep rounded sides, an everted rim, and a shallow ring foot. The exterior is encircled by two raised bands, interrupted at opposing sides by large looped handleseach surmounted by a stylized taotie mask from which a robust,