Vase zun 尊, M.C. 2005-3(7), Entre -1300 et -1050

Author(s): anonymous, bronzier date of production: between -1300 and -1050 dating in century: 12th century bc. Ad type(s) of object(s): china, beliefs - customs - cults - ceremonies, metal, metal arts, archeology name(s): tableware and kitchen utensils, vase, religious object materials and techniques: bronze, mold casting place(s) of execution/realization: china dimensions - artwork: height: 27. 8cm diameter: 16. 3cm description: metallic tableware constitutes one of the most prestigious productions of chinese art. These containers, made in the 16th century bc. Bc until the 3rd century ad. Bc have a varied typology and diverse ornamentation. In the shang period, they were part of the ceremonial tableware, used during ceremonial banquets during which homage was paid to the ancestors of the clan. They were divided between containers for solid foods and vases for liquids, more particularly flavored drinks. This bronze vase from the middle of the 12th century bc. Bc belongs to this last category. Before being reheated, the drinks were stored in bronze bottles, then presented in containers like this. In addition to its undeniable plastic quality, its good state of conservation, the subtlety of its patina and the variety of its decoration, this zun presents an iconographic rarity. Instead of the fierce and protective masks that usually adorn the belly, here, a half-human, half-bird face makes it one of the peaks of ancient chinese art. Iconographic description: metallic tableware constitutes one of the most prestigious productions of chinese art. These containers, made in the 16th century bc. Bc until the 3rd century ad. Bc have a varied typology and diverse ornamentation. In the shang period, they were part of the ceremonial tableware, used during ceremonial banquets during which homage was paid to the ancestors of the clan. They were divided between containers for solid foods and vases for liquids, more particularly flavored drinks. This bronze vase from the middle of the 12th century bc. Bc belongs to this last category. Before being reheated, the drinks were stored in bronze bottles, then presented in containers like this. In addition to its undeniable plastic quality, its good state of conservation, the subtlety of its patina and the variety of its decoration, this zun presents an iconographic rarity. Instead of the fierce and protective masks that usually adorn the belly, here, a half-human, half-bird face makes it one of the peaks of ancient chinese art. Acquisition method: manual donation name of donor, testator, seller: total, society of friends of the cernuschi museum date of acquisition: 31–05–2005 institution: cernuschi museum, museum of asian arts of the city of paris inventory number: m. C. 2005-3. Date: Entre -1300 et -1050.