Wine Container

Western Zhou dynasty ( 1046771 BC ), late 11th/early 10th century BC

China

Shaanxi province

Exuberant, crested birds that encircle the central and lower zones of this vessel, together with jagged vertical flanges, display the new flamboyance of Western Zhou design. Around the neck, rising blades exhibit spreading cicada-like forms and the suggestion of monster masks. The surface of this vessel is of silvery color with patches of azurite blue and malachite green encrustations. The base is inscribed “Jian made (this) precious sacrificial vessel.”

Status: On View, Gallery 131
Department: Arts of Asia

Title: Wine Container
Place: China (Artist's nationality)
Date: 1050 BCE–900 BCE
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: 29 × 21.6 cm (11 7/16 × 8 1/2 in.); Diam.: 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.)
Credit Line: Lucy Maud Buckingham Collection
Reference Number: 1936.138
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