Page 20 - 2011 - The Frank Arts Collection, Chinese Bronzes

4. Archaic bronze wine vessel jia

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Shang dynasty, 13 – 12 century BC
Height: 33.5 cm.

Archaic bronze wine vessel jia supported on three triangular pointed legs,
each of which is decorated on its outer sides with a stylized cicada-shaped motif.
The vessel’s round body is divided into three different friezes. The largest one is
decorated with large taotie masks composed of large confronting kui dragons
on a leiwen background divided by small flanges, while the section above that is
decorated with a band of smaller stylized kui dragons on a leiwen background, one
pair facing another across a narrow vertical flange. The top section of the body is
decorated with triangular blade or leaf tip-like motifs embellished with scrollwork.
Two high mushroom-like tenons, each consisting of a square stem surmounted by
an umbrella-like top decorated with geometrical patterns emerge from the vessel’s
upper rim. From the side of the vessel a very simple handle extends.
The vessel has a nice light- green patina.

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