The profile of the body is S-shaped with the inward curvature placed close to the rim of the vessel. Dragonized t'ao-t'ieh (winged-dragon type) and rising blades with stylized cicadas decorate the neck belt. The body t'ao-t'ieh, on a ground of squared spirals, displays unusual features horns with the alternate T-shaped and straight scores usually associated with flanges, and a hybrid forehead shield with the upper part hooked and the lower half drawn as the rounded-top shield. Also to be noted is the small vertical dragon beneath the tail of the cleft t'ao-t'ieh under the handle. For a discussion of this element, see Karlgren, Number 11, Plate 14 (50.46.43). The handle, with a bovine head at the top, terminates with curved legs ending in hoofs on the sides. Underneath, in the place for an inscription, is a human figure in flat relief on a spiral ground. Patina grey-green and blue.

Jia wine vessel, 12th century BCE

Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more

Bronzeexpand_more

Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsburyexpand_more  50.46.43

Not on Viewexpand_more

The profile of this jia wine vessel’s body is S-shaped, with the inward curvature placed close to the rim of the vessel. Dragonized taotie and rising blades with stylized cicadas decorate the neck belt. The body taotie, on a ground of squared spirals, displays unusual features: horns with alternating T-shaped and straight scores usually associated with flanges, and a hybrid forehead shield with the upper part hooked and the lower half drawn as the round-topped shield. Notable, too, is the small vertical dragon beneath the tail of the cleft taotie under the handle. The handle is topped with a bovine head and terminates with curved legs ending in hooves. Underneath, in place of an inscription, is a bearded human figure in flat relief on a spiral ground. The pictogram represents a clan’s insignia and is seen in many bronze vessels of the late Shang dynasty.

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Details
Title
Jia wine vessel
Role
Artist
Accession Number
50.46.43
Curator Approved

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The profile of the body is S-shaped with the inward curvature placed close to the rim of the vessel. Dragonized t'ao-t'ieh (winged-dragon type) and rising blades with stylized cicadas decorate the neck belt. The body t'ao-t'ieh, on a ground of squared spirals, displays unusual features horns with the alternate T-shaped and straight scores usually associated with flanges, and a hybrid forehead shield with the upper part hooked and the lower half drawn as the rounded-top shield. Also to be noted is the small vertical dragon beneath the tail of the cleft t'ao-t'ieh under the handle. For a discussion of this element, see Karlgren, Number 11, Plate 14 (50.46.43). The handle, with a bovine head at the top, terminates with curved legs ending in hoofs on the sides. Underneath, in the place for an inscription, is a human figure in flat relief on a spiral ground. Patina grey-green and blue.

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