Page 55 - Deydier The_Lippens_Collection_of_Ancient_Chinese_Bronzes

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14 – archaic bronze wine vessel jiao
SHANG DYNASTY, ANYANG / YINXU PERIOD
TH
TH
CIRCA 14 – 12 / 11 CENTURIES B. C.
TH
H.: 24.7 CM L.: 18.3 CM
Archaic bronze wine vessel supported on three triangular legs, each
decorated with a vertical band of cicadas filled with taotie masks on
a leiwen background.
The vessel’s deep U-shaped body is cast in high relief with two
taotie masks formed with protuberant rectangular eyes, hooked
scrolled ears, high relief horns, and an upper jaw with teeth, all on
a leiwen background, and interspersed, on one side of the vessel
with a vertical flange and on the other by the vessel’s semi-circular
handle. The two rising peaked points on each side of the vessel’s
upper rim are decorated on their undersides with stylized cicada
blade motifs.
The vessel’s loop handle is surmounted by a bovine head in high relief.
The vessel has a green patina.

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