Vase yu 盂, M.C. 9227(5), Entre -1199 et -1100

Author(s): anonymous, founder date of production: between -1199 and -1100 type(s) of object(s): china, beliefs - customs - cults - ceremonies, archaeology, metal, metal arts name(s): tableware and kitchen utensils, vase materials and techniques: bronze, mold casting place(s) of execution/realization: china dimensions - artwork: height: 14. 4cm diameter: 21. 8cm description: this very sober bowl was first published by max lœr in 1968 on the occasion of the famous ritual vessels of bronze age china exhibition. The shape of the yu, the simplest of all bronzes from the shang period, finds its origin in neolithic pottery. During the shang period, comparable ceramic bowls were discovered in anyang and zhengzhou. The absence of a handle allows us to distinguish yu from mistletoe, but like them, these containers were intended to contain cereals. The foot bears a large register of swirls alternating with square crescent motifs. Above, we notice small square vents, frequently interpreted as serving to hold the part in the mold during melting. The neck register bears three animal heads in relief, each surrounded by six cicadas arranged symmetrically. Their highly precise drawing stands out clearly against a background of leiwen with multiple interlacings. Iconographic description: this very sober bowl was first published by max lœr in 1968 on the occasion of the famous ritual vessels of bronze age china exhibition. The shape of the yu, the simplest of all bronzes from the shang period, finds its origin in neolithic pottery. During the shang period, comparable ceramic bowls were discovered in anyang and zhengzhou. The absence of a handle allows us to distinguish yu from mistletoe, but like them, these containers were intended to contain cereals. The foot bears a large register of swirls alternating with square crescent motifs. Above, we notice small square vents, frequently interpreted as serving to hold the part in the mold during melting. The neck register bears three animal heads in relief, each surrounded by six cicadas arranged symmetrically. Their highly precise drawing stands out clearly against a background of leiwen with multiple interlacings. Themes / subjects / places represented: cicada, leiwen acquisition method: purchase with participation name of donor, testator, seller: society of friends of the cernuschi museum date of acquisition: 1962 institution: cernuschi museum, museum of asian arts of the city of paris inventory number: m. C. 9227. Date: Entre -1199 et -1100.