Gallery305
Exhibition nameRituals Cast in Brilliance: Masterpieces of Bronzes in the Museum Collection
Total height: 27.8 cm, Mouth diameter: 20.4x15.5 cm, Weight: 5.16 kg
The cubiform body stands on four straight cylinder feet of cicada motif, the outer wall decorated with simplified beast mask patterns. The six ridges adorning the middle of each long side and at four corner edges add a solemn presence. Inside the bowl are inscribed six characters arranged in two columns, indicating this was a ritual vessel commissioned by Marquis of Kang, named Fong 封, who according to historical documents was an uncle of King Cheng and the youngest brother of the King's father. That a historical fact three thousand years ago corroborates such an imposing piece of physical evidence speaks to us of the latter's rare value quietly in its own words.