Page 24 - Deydier UNDERSTANDING CHINESE ARCHAIC BRONZES

Bu 瓿
(old pronunciation pou)

This bronze jug or pitcher which has a globular body with a cramped
neck and is supported by a ring foot, sometimes also has some lateral
flanges at its sides and a dome-like cover.

This vessel is mentioned very early on in Chinese historical records,
at least as early as the Zhan Guo Ce 戰國策 (Warring States Annals)
compiled between the 3 and 1 centuries B.C.
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There is some controversy regarding the exact use for which the bu
瓿 was employed, with many claiming it was used to hold fermented
beverages, while others, citing the Zhan Guo Ce 戰國策, etc. say it
was used to hold various sauces, and still others claim the bu 瓿 was
used to hold water. According to the Han Shu 漢書 (History of Han
漢 completed by Ban Gu 班固 during the Eastern Han dynasty 東漢 in
111 A.D.), the bu 瓿 was used to hold foodstuffs such as minced meat
and grains.
First coming into use at the end of the Erligang 二里崗 period (circa
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17 /16 – 14 centuries B.C.) of the early Shang 商 dynasty, the bu 瓿
becomes rounder by the beginning of the Yinxu 殷墟 period (circa 14
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– 12 /11 centuries B.C.) and gradually disappears by the end of the
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Shang 商 dynasty.
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Bu, Shang dynasty, Yinxu period (circa 14 – 12 /11 centuries B.C.)
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Height: 18.4 cm, diameter: 31.1 cm – Private Collection.
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