Wu state king's water vessel with inscriptions
By Zhao Dan |
April 11, 2010, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
KING Fuchai of Wu is one of the most legendary figures in Chinese history. As the last king of Wu State, he took power in 495 BC during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and defeated other states at the start of his reign which were trying to wrest power for themselves over the whole country.
However, later Fuchai became obsessed with a beauty named Xi Shi from the Yue State, leading to the weakening of his power. The King of Yue took advantage of this situation and invaded Wu. Fuchai's state was destroyed and he was forced to commit suicide.
A jian, or water vessel, which had been displayed in Fuchai's royal palace, is now exhibited in the Shanghai Museum.
The vessel was discovered during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and is believed to have been found in a remote county in Henan Province.
The majestic vessel with delicate carvings has survived thousands of years and is an example of the high profile the King kept when he was alive.
The water vessel was used for holding water but also was used by people to look in on their facial reflection as the mirror had not been invented in these ancient times. It could also have been used for bathing. In the winter, ancient Chinese people stored ice cubes inside such vessels, and took it out for cooling in summer time.
At each side of the vessel, beasts with dragon heads are affixed as giant handles. Between the beasts, two small dragons perch at the mouth of the vessel, stretching their heads to the water as if they are going to drink. The dragons' expressions are exaggerated but are vivid and lively.
Dragon patterns are carved all over the body of the vessel, an art form which was a specific characteristic of bronze vessels made during the Spring and Autumn Period.
Inside the vessel, there are two lines of 13 characters inscribed at the bottom. These say that Fuchai chose the bronze material himself to make the vessel and it was displayed in his palace.
However, later Fuchai became obsessed with a beauty named Xi Shi from the Yue State, leading to the weakening of his power. The King of Yue took advantage of this situation and invaded Wu. Fuchai's state was destroyed and he was forced to commit suicide.
A jian, or water vessel, which had been displayed in Fuchai's royal palace, is now exhibited in the Shanghai Museum.
The vessel was discovered during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and is believed to have been found in a remote county in Henan Province.
The majestic vessel with delicate carvings has survived thousands of years and is an example of the high profile the King kept when he was alive.
The water vessel was used for holding water but also was used by people to look in on their facial reflection as the mirror had not been invented in these ancient times. It could also have been used for bathing. In the winter, ancient Chinese people stored ice cubes inside such vessels, and took it out for cooling in summer time.
At each side of the vessel, beasts with dragon heads are affixed as giant handles. Between the beasts, two small dragons perch at the mouth of the vessel, stretching their heads to the water as if they are going to drink. The dragons' expressions are exaggerated but are vivid and lively.
Dragon patterns are carved all over the body of the vessel, an art form which was a specific characteristic of bronze vessels made during the Spring and Autumn Period.
Inside the vessel, there are two lines of 13 characters inscribed at the bottom. These say that Fuchai chose the bronze material himself to make the vessel and it was displayed in his palace.
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