Back to list He spouted ewer with coiling dragon and animal mask pattern, Early Western Zhou dynasty

Description

This vessel has a lid, contracted neck, everted mouth, lobed body, tube-like spout, ox-head handle, and four columnar legs. The lid is in the form of a three-dimensional dragon shape curving upward, with twin legs propping up the dragon body to form the knob of the lid. The spine of the dragon is slightly arched, and its lower jaw rests upon the surface. The body of the vessel is densely adorned with delicate patterns, and the mouth of the spout and neck are decorated with kui dragon patterns. The lobed belly is formed from four animal mask patterns in low relief, and the columnar legs are decorated with cicada patterns. Clan marks consisting of the single character, "Ni," are inscribed on the inner side of the lid and on the inner surface of the handle.

Exhibits

• Rituals Cast in Brilliance: Masterpieces of Bronzes in the Museum Collection Ongoing exhibition