Ritual vessel (dou)
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.This pedestal bowl is the only surviving intact example of an imperial Song bronze dou. It is based on an archaic prototype used as an offering bowl for minced meat, vegetables, and sauce. The archaic-script inscription around its rim indicates that it was commissioned by Emperor Huizong in 1118 for the altar of the Great Lord of Eternal Life, of whom the emperor was thought to be an incarnation. This unique example demonstrates the emperor’s effort to apply the ritual tradition of ancient China to Daoist practice.
Artwork Details
- 北宋政和 銅豆
- Title: Ritual vessel (dou)
- Period: Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
- Date: 1118
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 7 5/16 in. (18.5 cm); Diam. 10 1/16 in. (25.5 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Lent by Musée Cernuschi, Musée des Arts de l'Asie de la Ville de Paris
- Rights and Reproduction: Photograph CCO Paris Musées / Musée Cernuschi, Musée des Arts de l’Asie de la Ville de Paris
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art