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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