Mid Warring States period BC375-276

Zun wine vessel in the shape of animal with metal wire and turquoise inlay

Length: 39.7 cm, Height: 28.5 cm

This vessel takes the form of a sturdily standing four-legged hoofed animal, with raised ears, round eyes, four hoofed legs, and a dangling tail. The posture and musculature of the animal is realistically depicted. The work served as a wine vessel of the Warring States period, with the mouth of the animal serving as the spout, and an opening on the back with a removable lid that enabled wine to be replenished. The surface of the vessel is blackish-brown in color, interspersed with green. The vessel is adorned with silver threads that form angled cloud patterns, and is richly decorated with turquoise and gold and silver inlays. The face of the animal shows inlaid round gold eyes, and the bridge of the nose, the eyebrows, and the forehead are studded with turquoise. A circlet of inlaid gold encircles the neck, representing a collar. The lid on the back of the animal is decorated with dragon-shaped gold and silver inlays.