Ritual wine vessel (jia), 1046-771 BCE
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bronzeexpand_more
The Driscoll Art Accessions Endowment Fund and the Putnam D. McMillan Fundexpand_more 2019.6
Not on Viewexpand_more
This three-legged bronze vessel, known as a jia, was used for holding wine in ritual ceremonies during the Western Zhou Dynasty in China (1046–771 BCE). A seven-character inscription beneath the cow head-shaped handle reads, “Duke of Quan made this precious sacrificial vessel for the late father.” Jia were among the earliest Chinese bronze vessels cast during the Erlitou period (c. 2000–1600 BCE). Archaeological excavations found more wine vessels than food vessels, suggesting that people of the early Bronze Age paid more attention to the role of wine in ritual ceremonies. Some excavated jia show smoke marks on the exterior bottom and have interior encrustation, suggesting that the vessel was used to heat wine over a fire.
Details
- Title
- Ritual wine vessel (jia)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2019.6
- Curator Approved
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