Hand-cast via ancient sand-mold casting methods, this fascinating piece represents an exceptional category of utilitarian sacred art from Southeast Asia. Serving as a decorative, heavy plug for a ritual bronze pouring vessel or an apothecary jar, the object features a beautifully expressive simian figure crouching alertly at the summit to serve as an ergonomic grip. The monkey leans forward over a thick collar ring that tapers down into an elongated, solid conical wedge peg designed to fit flush within a corresponding vessel neck.
Despite its slender footprint, the physical casting carries immense structural presence and a wonderful minimalist aesthetic. The monkey is modeled with delightful primitive-folk charm, defined by prominent ears, a wide knowing grin, and a smooth, unadorned silhouette that feels strikingly modern. Over generations of handling, the heavy bronze alloy has aged into a magnificent dark chocolate and oil-rubbed charcoal tarnish. Muted metallic undertones and tiny, deep-set earthy highlights peek out from the recesses of the limbs and face, confirming authentic age and historical use. It operates as an exceptionally high-signal conversational artifact, bringing an unexpected layer of curiosities-style charm and ancient utility to an entry console tray, a modern modular shelf niche, or styled flat as an esoteric paperweight.
- *Era: Antique
- *Dimensions: 3” Diameter x 6.5” H
- *Material: Authentic Hand-Cast Solid Bronze or Heavy Copper-Rich Brass Alloy
- *Finish: Deep Oil-Rubbed Charcoal, Crusted Earthy Umber, and Muted Dark Bronze
- *Utility: Elite small-scale decorative artifact, uniquely proportioned to introduce raw texture to upscale bookshelf vignettes, layered vanity trays, or styled horizontally as a striking focal piece.
- *Origin: Southeast Asia
- *Condition: Excellent antique condition with magnificent historical character.
- **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.
Specifications
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Material: Authentic hand-cast solid bronze or heavy copper-rich brass alloy
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Dimensions: 3” diameter x 6.5” H
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Origin: Antique; Southeast Asian ritual tradition (vessel stopper or apothecary plug); cast bronze alloy, Southeast Asia
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Era: Antique
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Condition: Excellent antique; deep oil-rubbed charcoal tarnish; crusted earthy umber; muted metallic undertones
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Special Detail: Crouching monkey with primitive-folk grin on tapered conical vessel plug; dark chocolate oil-rubbed tarnish