Detail View: National Palace English: Bronze Lei vessel with animal mask motif

Work ID: 
M01B00042
Title: 
Bronze Lei vessel with animal mask motif
Creation Date: 
Late Shang Dynasty
Start Year Date: 
B.C.1321
End Year Date: 
B.C.1045
Dynasty: 
05 Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 ~1100 B.C.)
Creation Place: 
China
Measurements: 
Height: 27 cm; Weight: 3850g
Material: 
Bronze
Form: 
Lei (wine vessel)
Type: 
Bronzes
Repository: 
The National Palace Museum, Taipei
Description: 
Carvings of a three-dimensional ram heads are attached to the center of this lei's belly in both front and back. This addition enhances the visual aesthetics of the piece. Incised lines predominates the entire vessel with the exception of a few round and protruding animal masks. The upper rim of the belly is decorated with horizontal cicada patterns. Each side of the ring foot close to the belly is a square hole left over from the casting process, and it also defines where the belly begins. The square holes function in the same way as the square and cross-shaped hole on a gu.
ImageV ID: 
M01B00042AS001
Rights: 
Lee & Lee Communications