Yunnan is known as a kingdom of nonferrous metals in China, as early as the West Han Dynasty, Kunming's Dongchuan was the major producer of bronze. Mottled bronze crafts are peculiar handicrafts by experienced folk craftsmen; in the Ming Dynasty, Mottled bronze was offered to the royal court as a tribute; Mottled bronze resembles to ancient bronze in color but is a little reddish; it can be also classified in to crude and melted ones, with the former being natural and latter artificial. Main models of the artifacts include lifelike characters, animals, antique vases, ancient cooking vessels, stoves, and jar, winning prizes at the international trade fairs. Some have become national treasures and gifts for international exchanges.
In 1914, on the San Francisco Expo, Kunming's "Nine Dragon Quadruple" made from mottled bronze, appealed to visitors and finally was sold at a price of 80 Liang (about 141 Ounces of gold).
You will only receive emails that you permitted upon submission and your email address will never be shared with any third parties without your express permission.