Back to list Pan water vessel with coiling dragon pattern, Late Shang dynasty

Description

The well of this pan plate is adorned with a coiled dragon, with head slightly raised and positioned at the exact center of the plate. The edges of the plate are ringed with kui dragon patterns, bird patterns, and fish patterns. The decorative patterns on the exterior walls of the plate are covered by a layer of rust, but appear to be kui dragon patterns with bowed heads. The solemn and elegant designs are characteristic of the late Shang period. Traces of the casting process can be found on the inner side of the ring foot, where six strengthening supports reinforce the attachment of the ring foot to the bottom of the vessel; in addition, three square notches can be seen on the ring foot, aligned with the mold lines. Pan plates were important water vessels during the bronze age, and from the rich and elaborate dragon patterns adorning the well of this plate, it can be inferred that this was likely a ceremonial vessel owned by a high-ranking member of the nobility.

Exhibits

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