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Spouted water container (He)

late 14th century BCE
Not on view
This ritual water container is among the earliest bronze vessels decorated with snakes. In this example the serpent’s open jaws form the spout. Straps would have been threaded through the lugs on the shoulder and holes on the foot to hold the vessel.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 商 青銅盉
  • Title: Spouted water container (He)
  • Period: Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–1046 BCE)
  • Date: late 14th century BCE
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Gift of Ernest Erickson Foundation, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.214.1a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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