Food container (yu)
This large water container was used for ablution during the sacrificial rituals of ancient China. Whereas most contemporary water containers have loop handles, this rare example features four holes in its foot and four lugs on its neck through which ropes can be attached for carrying. The incised decoration on its surface consists of four masks of an imaginary animal—known as taotie—meant to inspire deference and awe among participants of the rituals.
Artwork Details
- 商 青铜盂
- Title:Food container (yu)
- Period:Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–1046 BCE)
- Date:12th–11th century BCE
- Culture:China
- Medium:Bronze
- Dimensions:H. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm); Diam. 17 in. (43.2 cm); Diam. of rim 19 in. (48.3 cm); Diam. of foot 11 in. (27.9 cm)
- Classification:Metalwork
- Credit Line:Gift of George H. Kent, 1923
- Object Number:23.17
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Accession Number: 2001.59
dated 524 (5th year of Zhengguang reign)
dated 486 (10th year of Taihe reign)
8th century
late 7th–early 8th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.