Tripod
1300 BC-1100 BC (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This kind of bronze vessel, called in Chinese li ding, was used for rituals celebrating the ancestors during the Shang dynasty (1700-1050 BC), and was often buried in graves. The surface of this example is decorated with three taotie (zoomorphic masks) and a band of cicada set against a background of spirals.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast bronze |
| Brief description | Met, China, vess/cont/holders |
| Physical description | Three-lobed bronze vessel (ding) with two vertical loop handles on the rim and three cylindrical feet. The surface of each lobe is decorated with a taotie (zoomorphic mask) with large horns and slightly protruding eyes, four cicada and a pattern of spirals as background. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label | Tripod for food (ding)
Shang dynasty
1300-1100 BC
In ancient times the Chinese nobility ate out of bronze vessels. Each vessel has a specific name, this one is called a ding.
Cast bronze
Museum no. M.60-1953(2007) |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This kind of bronze vessel, called in Chinese li ding, was used for rituals celebrating the ancestors during the Shang dynasty (1700-1050 BC), and was often buried in graves. The surface of this example is decorated with three taotie (zoomorphic masks) and a band of cicada set against a background of spirals. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.60-1953 |
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| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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