Ritual Wine Vessel (Gu)

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Ritual Wine Vessel (Gu)

Place of OriginChina

Date12th-11th century BCE

DimensionsH: 12 in. (30.5 cm); Base Diam: 3 in. (7.6 cm); Rim Diam: 6 in. (15.2 cm)

MediumBronze.

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

2004.54

Not on View

DescriptionSlender shape with flaring rim, crisply cast on the neck with upright blades above a band of serpents, the central section with two taotie masks and the pedestal foot with further taotie masks below two pairs of confronted dragons, all on leiwen grounds and divided and separated by narrow, notched vertical flanges, with a large pictograph cast on the interior of the foot, with milky pale blue-green patina and some ferrous and dark green encrustation. Slender shape with flaring rim, crisply cast on the neck with upright blades above a band of serpents, the central section with two taotie masks and the pedestal foot with further taotie masks below two pairs of confronted dragons, all on leiwen grounds and divided and separated by narrow, notched vertical flanges, with a large pictograph cast on the interior of the foot, with milky pale blue-green patina and some ferrous and dark green encrustation.

Label TextThis elegantly shaped bronze vessel was meant to hold wine and would have accompanied a wealthy Chinese person to his grave. Great numbers of elaborate bronzes, ceramics, and figures of servants and musicians were place in the huge underground tomb chambers of Chinese rulers and members of their court. These objects were intended for the use of the spirit of the deceased. Look for the tao-tie, or “ogre mask.” You can usually spot these “faces” used on ancient Chinese bronzes by the two knobs for eyes with a line down the center representing a nose and scroll-like horns or fangs.