Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History


    • 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)

    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.

    Related


    This work has been published in the Museum's Bulletin or Journal. These articles may or may not represent the most current scholarship.
  • Valenstein, Suzanne G. "Highlights of Chinese Ceramics." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 33, no. 3 (Autumn, 1975).
    JSTOR | PDF | Supplemental PDFs
    • "Director's Note" PDF
    • Not on view
    MoveSeparatorPrint
    Close
    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)


    Move
    Close
    fullMultimediaText