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Vessel is as fine as wine
By Zhao Dan |
June 13, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
JIA is one of the earliest wine vessels to be used in ancient ceremonies and rituals.
A shou mian wen jia (pictured right and on display at the Shanghai Museum), or wine vessel with animal faces, represents the molding features of early bronze vessels, attracting attention to its magnificent carvings and unique shape.
The jia was made in the early Shang Dynasty (16th century-11th century BC) when bronze vessels production flourished, reaching its historical peak.
The vessel has three conical legs that makes it look like a tripod.
The upper part of the vessel's body has a flared mouth.
Two small poles, each with a little cap on it, stand on the rim of the mouth. Flaming patterns decorate the caps, giving the piece a touch of elegance.
It is believed that the poles were used to tie filters when wine was being filtered.
The lower section of the body is plump and looks like it has three "bags" that connect with the legs.
The design, designed to increase the heating area so that the wine could be warmed quickly, is evidence that this wine vessel was more than just a container.
Patterns of animal faces are carved around the neck and the "belly" of the vessel. The eyes of the faces on the belly stick out from the surface, giving the whole vessel the look of an artistic sculpture.
The patterns are the faces of Taotie, a legendary beast in Chinese mythology that is believed to be a greedy eater and one of the nine sons of Chinese dragon.
The patterns depict the fierce beast with bold lines and delicate engravings, enhancing its mysterious and magnificent look.
A shou mian wen jia (pictured right and on display at the Shanghai Museum), or wine vessel with animal faces, represents the molding features of early bronze vessels, attracting attention to its magnificent carvings and unique shape.
The jia was made in the early Shang Dynasty (16th century-11th century BC) when bronze vessels production flourished, reaching its historical peak.
The vessel has three conical legs that makes it look like a tripod.
The upper part of the vessel's body has a flared mouth.
Two small poles, each with a little cap on it, stand on the rim of the mouth. Flaming patterns decorate the caps, giving the piece a touch of elegance.
It is believed that the poles were used to tie filters when wine was being filtered.
The lower section of the body is plump and looks like it has three "bags" that connect with the legs.
The design, designed to increase the heating area so that the wine could be warmed quickly, is evidence that this wine vessel was more than just a container.
Patterns of animal faces are carved around the neck and the "belly" of the vessel. The eyes of the faces on the belly stick out from the surface, giving the whole vessel the look of an artistic sculpture.
The patterns are the faces of Taotie, a legendary beast in Chinese mythology that is believed to be a greedy eater and one of the nine sons of Chinese dragon.
The patterns depict the fierce beast with bold lines and delicate engravings, enhancing its mysterious and magnificent look.
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