Page 156 - The Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology: Celebrated Discoveries from the People’s Republic of China

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Painted pottery lei jar counter one of the earliest known occurrences of
the taotie face which was to become the preeminent
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Height 30 (n A) image on bronze vessels during the Shang period
Early Bronze Age, Lower Xiajiadian Culture and into the early years of the Zhou. 2
(c. 2000-1500 BCE)
Centered on the shoulder of the vessel above
From Dadianzi, Aohanqi, Inner Mongolia
the level of the ear-shaped lugs, the taotie is readily
The Institute of Archaeology, CASS, Beijing identified by its two oval eyes, surmounted by curv-
ing eyebrows. Beneath the nostrils, the double
Lacking the spirited flamboyance of the designs lines of its bar-shaped mouth end at both sides in
seen on some Dadianzi vessels and the disciplined C-shaped curls. Evenly spaced pairs of short verti-
control of others, the painted decoration on this cal lines indicate the teeth. The lower jaw, running
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vessel has a wild and unruly aspect, and an impor- parallel to the mouth, is drawn up at the side into
tance all its own. It is on this vessel that we en- reversing curls, which in turn touch the lines reach-

155 | T O M B S OF THE LOWE R X I A J I A D I A N C U L T U R E