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object 4 of 17
object 4 of 17
Title:Gu (ritual wine vessel)
Artist:Artist Unknown
Date:Shang dynasty
Creation Place:Asia, China
Credit Line:Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury
Accession Number:50.46.45
Artist:Artist Unknown
Date:Shang dynasty
Creation Place:Asia, China
Credit Line:Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury
Accession Number:50.46.45
This intriguing vessel was apparently used to pour wine during religious ceremonies. Variations of the taotie mask comprise the main decorative motifs, and are located in the lower sections between the flanges. A typical Shang background pattern of tight spirals called leiwen is also seen throughout the ornamental registers. This piece relates to several other bronzes excavated at Anyang, the site of the last capital of the Shang dynasty (about 1400-1027 BCE.).
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object 4 of 17
object 4 of 17