Lidded Vessel thumbnail 1
Lidded Vessel thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Lidded Vessel

500 BC-400 BC (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This type of vessel, called a dou in Chinese, was routinely cast during the Western Zhou dynasty (1050-771 BC) for use in ceremonies and death rituals. This elegant example from the later Eastern Zhou dynasty (771-221 BC) uses gold inlays to produce a delicate pattern of stylised interlacing dragons.

A close examination of the object and scientific tests have revealed that the lid is an original production dated about 500-400 BC, while the bottom half of the vessel and the lid handle were made in the 14th century or slightly earlier. This evidence supports the theory that this piece was conceived for an antiquarian or collector of the Song (960-1279) or Yuan (1279-1368) dynasty, following the taste for archaic objects developed during the Song period.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Vessel
  • Dou
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Bronze, inlaid with gold
Brief description
Lidded vessel (dou), bronze with gold inlay, China, 500-400 BC
Physical description
Bronze lidded vessel (dou) with two ring handles and a small foot. The design of interlaced stylised dragons and scrolls is made with gold inlays.
Dimensions
  • Height: 20.3cm
Production
The lid was made between 500-400 BC, the base and the handle at a later date.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This type of vessel, called a dou in Chinese, was routinely cast during the Western Zhou dynasty (1050-771 BC) for use in ceremonies and death rituals. This elegant example from the later Eastern Zhou dynasty (771-221 BC) uses gold inlays to produce a delicate pattern of stylised interlacing dragons.

A close examination of the object and scientific tests have revealed that the lid is an original production dated about 500-400 BC, while the bottom half of the vessel and the lid handle were made in the 14th century or slightly earlier. This evidence supports the theory that this piece was conceived for an antiquarian or collector of the Song (960-1279) or Yuan (1279-1368) dynasty, following the taste for archaic objects developed during the Song period.
Collection
Accession number
M.978:1, 2-1928

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 22, 1999
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest