Description
This vessel has a slightly tapering mouth, flat folded rim, straight upright handles, bulging belly, round bottom, and column feet. The exterior surface of the belly is decorated with animal mask patterns, kui dragon patterns, and triangular cicada patterns, all upon a background of cloud and thunder patterns. The feet are decorated with hanging leaf patterns. The vessel is likely of the Second Yinxu Period. A three-character inscription on the inner surface of the vessel reads, "She Fu Sang (Lady Sang of the She Clan)." "She" refers to the clan name, while "Sang" has alternatively been interpreted as the character, "Hui," and refers to the personal name of the lady (Fu) to whom this vessel was dedicated.