Ritual Wine Vessel (Gu)
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
Collections
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.- Decorative Arts
about 1785 (Frame about 1820)
3600-2200 BCE
20th Century
about 1785 (Frame about 1820)
Late nineteenth or first decade of twentieth century
Probably second quarter of the first century
Probably second quarter of the first century
Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1912), Ch'ien Lung era (1736-1795)
1st century CE
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