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Rare Imperial Chinese gold brick (Jīn Zhuān) on a custom-made wooden display table.
€4,950Bid from €2,300
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About this seller
Private sellerApeldoorn, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since January 2023 • 12 sales
Product description
An exceptional and highly decorative Imperial Chinese gold brick (Jīn Zhuān / 金砖), presented on a custom-made hardwood display table with two drawers and a slatted base. A remarkable combination of Chinese history, traditional craftsmanship, and functional furniture design.
Imperial gold bricks are among the finest architectural ceramics ever produced in China. They were exclusively intended for the country's most prestigious imperial buildings, including the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, and other major palace complexes. Their name refers not to gold, but to their extraordinary quality and value.
The production process was extraordinarily demanding. Each brick took approximately two years to complete. Fine clay was repeatedly refined before being slowly fired using three different types of wood, allowing the kiln temperature to be precisely controlled throughout the entire process. The bricks were then slowly cooled and cured for approximately 120 to 130 days, resulting in an exceptionally dense and durable ceramic. One of the distinctive features of an authentic Imperial Golden Brick is the clear, metallic sound it produces when tapped lightly, a testament to its remarkable density and quality. The brick still bears its original Chinese kiln marks, further enhancing its historical value.
The centuries-old craft of producing Imperial Golden Bricks almost completely disappeared after the fall of the Chinese Empire and was revived in the 1980s to support the restoration of the Forbidden City, thereby preserving one of China's most remarkable traditional crafts.
The brick is displayed on a beautifully handcrafted hardwood stand featuring two drawers and a practical slatted shelf at the bottom. The stand perfectly complements the brick and creates an impressive display piece. Dimensions
Gold Brick
Width: 74 cm (29.1 inches)
Depth: 72.5 cm (28.5 inches)
Height: 10 cm (3.9 inches)
Total
Height: 80 cm (31.5 inches)
Features
Imperial Chinese Gold Brick (Jīn Zhuān)
Original Chinese kiln marks
Production process of approximately two years
Traditionally fired with three different types of wood
Approximately 120-130 days of firing and curing
Characteristic metallic ringing sound when struck
Extremely dense, high-fired clay
Custom-made hardwood display table
Two drawers
Listening shelf at the bottom
Beautiful rich patina
Condition
Good antique condition with age-related wear, minor damage, and superficial imperfections consistent with age and historical use. The custom-made hardwood stand is in excellent condition with only light signs of use. Please examine the photos carefully, as they form an essential part of the description.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsMulti ColorMaterialOtherNumber of items1Height10 cmWidth74 cmDepth73 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerApeldoorn, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since January 2023 • 12 sales