Page 46 - Deydier The_Lippens_Collection_of_Ancient_Chinese_Bronzes

斝

12 – archaic bronze wine vessel jia
SHANG DYNASTY, EARLY ANYANG / YINXU PERIOD
TH
TH
CIRCA 14 / 13 CENTURIES B. C.
H.: 35.6 CM D.: 19.1 CM
Archaic bronze wine vessel jia supported by three triangular shaped
legs that gradually extend outwards and become thinner as they
descend to end in points at their lower extremities.
The jia’s body is cast with two wide bands, each of which is deco-
rated with three elaborate taotie masks on a leiwen background.
Each taotie is formed of two beaked kui dragons with sumptuously
feathered raised tails, confronting each other across a shallow flange.
A simple semi-circular handle extends from one side of the vessel
and two upright pillars supporting mushroom-shaped whorl caps
rise from the vessel’s upper lip.
The jia has a nice pleasant greyish-green patina.

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