Gu wine vessel, 13th-12th century BCE
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bronzeexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 96.97.2.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
These beakers, used in the ritual pouring of wine, are decorated on their flared necks with four elongated blades filled with an incised spiral, or leiwen, pattern. The central zone is composed of four kui (single horn) dragons separated by raised “nose ridges” between their round eyes, creating, in effect, a pair of symbolic taotie animal masks. The flared feet also display a taotie on either side of the vessel. The overall incised linear decoration seen here is associated with one of the stylistic phases documented from burials at Anyang, the last capital of Shang. The all-important taotie masks are hard to discern here. Later, artisans developed a more sculptural style, with the masks distinctly cast in high relief against the incised spiral patterns.
Details
- Title
- Gu wine vessel
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.97.2.1
- 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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