Page 163 - Deydier UNDERSTANDING CHINESE ARCHAIC BRONZES

The “Coiling Hornless Dragon” or Panchi Motif 蟠螭紋

This motif is composed of repeated pairs of interlacing coiling chi 螭
or ‘hornless dragons’ with the backs of their beads touching and their
tails interlocking to form a promontory-like upward protuberance, or
some similar pattern.

This motif was very commonly used to decorate large areas of the
bodies of bronze vessels from the beginning of the Warring States 戰國
period (circa 475 – 221 B.C.) onwards.

The “Down or Feather “ Yuwen Motif 羽紋

This motif which, according to many modern-day scholars, is composed
of small, interwoven, down feathers, was very popular during the
Warring States 戰國 period (circa 475 – 221 B.C.). Other scholars
believe that the motif was made up of small, breaking wave tips or even
of small, interlocking dragons with only their stylised paws and heads
visible.

Panshi “coiling hornless dragon” motif, detail of the ding shown on page 26.

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