Back to list You wine vessel of Zhao, Early Western Zhou dynasty

Description

This vessel has a domed lid adorned with a mushroom-shaped knob, an oval body, and a flared ring foot, with a shallow base near the bottom. The lid and mouth of the vessel are interfitting. The entire vessel is richly and elaborately decorated, and the lid and body are adorned with animal mask patterns and kui dragon patterns upon a background of cloud and thunder patterns. Four hooked flanges can be seen on the lid and body. The loop handle is decorated with four three-dimensional beast heads, and huge palm-shaped horns can be seen on the two lower beast heads. The horns on the two upper beast heads have been broken off and are now lost. On the inner side of the lid is inscribed a set of numbers, "six-one-eight-six-one-one," as well as a single character, "Zhao."

Exhibits

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