Vessel
1200 BC-1100 BC (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This figure of an owl represents a type of ritual bronze vessel called zun, used for storing wine in tombs in order that the dead could continue offering sacrifices to the gods and ancestors. Bronze was one of the most important of the many materials used for grave goods. Good burials showed gratitude to the spirits of the universe and established the reputation of the dead ones in the afterworld.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Cast bronze |
| Brief description | Vessel, cast bronze, China, Shang dynasty (1766-1122 BCE), 1200-1100 BC |
| Physical description | Vessel of bronze in the form of an owl, with a removeable head. The short-eared owl stands on its four-toed feet without support. The plumage details are partly seal pattern, partly thunder-scroll diaper, with a monster mask on the breast and an ox-headed serpent outlining the border of each wing. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This figure of an owl represents a type of ritual bronze vessel called zun, used for storing wine in tombs in order that the dead could continue offering sacrifices to the gods and ancestors. Bronze was one of the most important of the many materials used for grave goods. Good burials showed gratitude to the spirits of the universe and established the reputation of the dead ones in the afterworld. |
| Bibliographic reference | Catalogue of the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, 1935-6, London : Royal Academy of Arts, 1935
236 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.5:1, 2-1935 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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