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Wine container (Hu)

late 9th–early 8th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 207
As the Shang animal mask lost its symbolic meaning under the Zhou, it dissolved into an ornamental pattern, as here, where an “eye” is encircled by curving hooked lines.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西周 青銅壺
  • Title: Wine container (Hu)
  • Period: Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE)
  • Date: late 9th–early 8th century BCE
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 21 3/4 in. (55.2 cm); W. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Charlotte C. and John C. Weber Collection, Gift of Charlotte C. and John C. Weber through the Live Oak Foundation, 1988
  • Object Number: 1988.20.4a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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