Food container (yu)
Not on view
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.
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