Vessel (zun), late Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–1050 B.C.), 13th–11th century B.C.
Probably from Anyang, Henan Province, China
Earthenware with incised and relief decoration; H. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1950 (50.61.5)
Technical Glossary
Probably from Anyang, Henan Province, China
Earthenware with incised and relief decoration; H. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1950 (50.61.5)
This ritual wine vessel, or zun, is a fine example of ancient Chinese artisanship, dating from the latter part of the Shang dynasty. In earlier years, Shang bronzeworkers had imitated pottery shapes and decoration; later the compliment was returned when pottery began to imitate metalwork. This zun reflects the influence of bronze ware: the shape, the small relief flanges, and bosses on the incised decorative bands are an homage to bronzeworks made on a grander scale.
Open full-size image
Related Index Terms
Geography/Place
- • Ceramic, organized by culture, East Asia
- • Ceramic, organized by culture, East Asia, China
- • Vessel, organized by culture, East Asia
- • Vessel, organized by culture, East Asia, China
Material and Technique
- • Ceramic
- • Ceramic, Unglazed
- • Ceramic, Unglazed, East Asia
- • Earthenware
- • Vessel, Tall, East Asia
- • Vessel, Tall (Vase, Pitcher, Bottle)
