Ritual Wine Vessel (You)

Place of OriginChina, reportedly from Xun County, Henan Province

Date11th or 10th century BCE (Early Western Zhou Dynasty)

DimensionsH: 9 5/8 in.

MediumBronze

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGeorge E. Pomeroy Bequest Fund

Object number

1938.85

Not on View

DescriptionCast bronze ritual vessel of the type known as a you. The object consists of a rounded, oval-bodied vessel standing on a high, splayed oval ring foot. It is accompanied by a matching domed cover that has a round knob handle. A large bail (swing handle) is attached to the vessel's shoulders via loops. The handle terminals are cast in the three-dimensional shape of stylized animal heads. Both the lid and the upper body of the vessel feature bands of intricate, incised zoomorphic decoration. Identical inscriptions are cast into the interior of the cover and the interior bottom of the vessel. Hydra band on cover; tao t'ieh and hydra band on neck. Bail terminates in animal heads.

Label TextThis lidded bronze container, called a you, was used over 3,000 years ago in ancient China during ritual banquets to honor ancestors. It was made to hold a pungent, aromatic wine; its heavy, well-fitting lid was designed to seal in the strong smell. The large swing handle, ending in stylized animal heads, allowed it to be carried and served. Cast inside both the lid and the base is an identical inscription, dedicating the vessel to an honored male ancestor, Baron Feng Fu. The vessel was reportedly unearthed at Hsun Hsien (modern Xun County) in Henan province, a critical region during the transition from the Shang to the Zhou dynasty.Published ReferencesA 1985 memorandum notes the vessel (1938.85) was included in the manuscript for Corpus of Chinese Bronzes in American Collections by Chen Meng-chia. This manuscript was later republished in 1977 by Mr. Michio Matsumaru.