A BRONZE SILKWORM

Easten Han Dynasty

Footnotes

東漢 銅蠶

Provenance:
Collection of Arthur M. Sackler
Christie's New York, 22 June 2011, lot 410 (part lot)

來源:
亞瑟·M·賽克勒舊藏
紐約佳士得，2011年6月22日，拍品編號410（其一）

The present lot modelled in a vivid and lifelike design, meticulously capturing the morphological characteristics of the silkworm. Cast in bronze, the object exhibits an ancient, elegant metallic sheen, with intricate decorative patterns visible in its details.

In ancient China, silkworms were revered as sacred creatures intrinsically linked to agricultural production, holding particular significance in silkworm deity worship, as exemplified by the legend of Leizu. This bronze silkworm was likely used as a ritual vessel in ceremonies honouring the silkworm deity, invoking favourable conditions for sericulture and abundant silk harvests. The Eastern Han dynasty marked a pivotal phase in the development of silk production and trade in ancient China. The silk weaving industry flourished continuously, spreading beyond China's borders via the Silk Road. Sericulture, as a vital component of ancient Chinese agricultural economics, served not only as a significant source of state revenue but also directly impacted the livelihoods of the populace. The Eastern Han government and society placed great emphasis on sericulture, evident in policies such as encouraging mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing, establishing official positions for silkworm management, and promoting agricultural and sericultural activities. Consequently, objects like the bronze silkworm likely served multiple purposes, combining symbolic significance, practical utility, and ceremonial value.

此銅蠶整體造型生動傳神，細膩地刻畫了蠶蟲的形態特徵。該器物以青銅為材質鑄造而成，表面呈現古樸典雅的金屬光澤，細節之處可見精巧的紋飾工藝。在中國古代，蠶被視為與農業生產密切相關的神聖動物，尤其在蠶神崇拜，如嫘祖傳說，中佔據重要地位。此銅蠶很可能作為祭祀蠶神、祈求蠶事順遂及絲綢豐收的禮器使用。東漢時期是中國古代絲綢生產與貿易發展的關鍵階段，絲織業持續繁榮，並通過絲綢之路向域外傳播。蠶桑養殖作為中國古代農業經濟的重要組成部分，既是國家財政收入的重要來源，也關乎百姓生計。東漢政府與社會對蠶桑業的高度重視，體現在鼓勵種桑養蠶、設置蠶官、推行勸課農桑等政策舉措上。因此，諸如銅蠶這類與蠶相關的器物，可能兼具象徵意義、實用功能及禮儀價值。