Page 33 - Deydier The_Lippens_Collection_of_Ancient_Chinese_Bronzes

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08 – archaic bronze ritual basin pan
SHANG DYNASTY, ERLIGANG PERIOD
TH
TH
TH
CIRCA 17 / 16 – 14 CENTURIES B. C.
H.: 8 CM D.: 24 CM
Archaic bronze basin pan used for ritual ablutions during ceremonies.
The well-rounded sides of the basin’s body, which is topped by an
everted lip, is supported on a low conical foot. The central rounded
section of the vessel is cast in deep relief with a frieze of five prim-
itive taotie masks, each composed of two kui dragons confronting
each other across a vertical flange. The vessel’s conical foot is deco-
rated with a simple horizontal line in high relief.
The pan has a greyish patina with areas of malachite and azurite
encrustation.

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