tripod vessel with handle and elongated spout; decorative band around middle

Jue libation vessel, 11th century BCE

Unknown artist, expand_more

Bronzeexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  96.97.8

Not on Viewexpand_more

Jue are one of the earliest ceremonial bronze forms created by artists in the Erlitou culture (c. 2000–1600 BCE), the first known culture in China to employ advanced bronze technology. The prototype of the bronze jue is a pottery vessel known as gui, found in the late Neolithic Longshan culture (c. 2500–2000 BCE). A type of wine vessel, Jue flourished during the Shang (c. 1600–1406 BCE) and early Western Zhou (c. 1406–977 BCE) dynasties but diminished in popularity after the mid–Western Zhou period in the late 800s BCE. This jue, with its goblet-like body supported by tall blade-shaped legs, is typical of the early Western Zhou dynasty. Its long U-shaped spout is flanked by two capped posts, which are visually and physically balanced by a flaring winglike tail. The decoration on the band consists of two pairs of birds facing a taotie mask. The taotie is a composite animal. The two posts with umbrella-like caps are likely decorative.

Details
Title
Jue libation vessel
Role
Artist
Accession Number
96.97.8
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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tripod vessel with handle and elongated spout; decorative band around middle