Bronze Vase (Bianhu) and Lid thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Bronze Vase (Bianhu) and Lid

ca. 100 BC (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Ancient bronze vessels made before the first century AD were avidly collected by Chinese scholars. This veneration for antiquity was practised by Emperor Qianlong, who had thousands of ancient bronzes in his treasury.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Vase (Bianhu)
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Cast bronze
Brief description
Bronze vase bianhu with lid, cast bronze, China, Western Han dynasty, ca. 100 BC
Physical description
Bronze vessel bianhu with round body, rectangular foot and cilyndrical neck , covered by a lid; the front and the back are decorated with a depressed band that follows the shape of the body and two moulded raised lined that divide the surface into four compartments. A taotie mask with pendant ring is placed on each side; the lid has a small ring.
Dimensions
  • Height: 30.5cm
Style
Credit line
Bequeathed by Ernest A. Brooks
Subject depicted
Summary
Ancient bronze vessels made before the first century AD were avidly collected by Chinese scholars. This veneration for antiquity was practised by Emperor Qianlong, who had thousands of ancient bronzes in his treasury.
Bibliographic reference
Kerr, Rose. Chinese Art and Design. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1991, pp. 204-205.
Collection
Accession number
M.1161-1926

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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