About this artwork
Animal-shaped vessels are the rarest of all Shang ritual bronzes. This creature is a fascinating blend of alert poise and solemn dignity. Whereas the scaled pattern on the neck and tail of this bird suggests feathers, other details are fantastic rather than anatomical. A dragon in profile and a coiled serpent embellish each wing; monster masks crown the head as well as the removable lid on the bird's back.
-
On View
- Asian Art, Gallery 131
-
Title
- Bird-Shaped Container (zun)
-
Origin
- China
-
Date
- 1200 BC–1046 BC
-
Medium
- Bronze
-
Dimensions
- H: 6 1/4" × W: 5 1/4" × D: 2 1/4" (15.9cm × 13.3cm × 5.7cm)
-
Credit Line
- Lucy Maud Buckingham Collection
-
Reference Number
- 1936.139
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email .
