Page 101 - Deydier The_Lippens_Collection_of_Ancient_Chinese_Bronzes

卣

27 – archaic bronze wine vessel you
SHANG DYNASTY, ANYANG / YINXU PERIOD
TH
TH
CIRCA 14 – 12 / 11 CENTURIES B. C.
TH
H.: 28.8 CM
Archaic bronze wine container you with cover. The vessel’s pear-
shaped body is supported by a ring-shaped foot decorated with
two bands of juxtaposed spirals. Each side of the vessel is orna-
mented with two taotie masks of different sizes on a leiwen back-
ground. The lower one, large and powerful, with globular protuber-
ant eyes, is centred on a vertical flange. The upper one, triangular
in shape, is composed of two kui dragons on a leiwen background
confronting each other across a vertical flange.
The you’s cover is decorated with revolving flame motifs on a leiwen
background.
The vessels’ elegant moveable upright handle is covered with pierced
raised flanges and ends in horned, open-mouthed teethed dragons
at each of its extremities where it joins the sides of the vessel.
The you is covered with a nice green patina.

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