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China, Henan province, probably Anyang, Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE), Anyang phase (c. 1250–1 / c. 1250–1046 BCE

Square Wine Container (Fangyou)

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Square Wine Container (Fangyou) as metalwork (China, Henan province, probably Anyang, Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE), Anyang phase (c. 1250–1 · c. 1250–1046 BCE).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

The bird motif decoration of this bronze is uncommon; more often these bronzes are decorated with a combination of birds and dragons.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this metalwork as bronze.

The museum's collection notes: From the finely proportioned body to the elaborate decoration cast with great precision, this ritual wine vessel displays the artistic refinement and technical virtuosity that marked the full blossoming of late Shang bronze art. The dramatic contrast of the crested birds ( kuifeng ) against the dense background of spiral patterns ( leiwen ) gives the vessel a new force, clarity, and intense vitality. The distinctive square body also places it as a rare and important type among the more usual round or ovoid types.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtSquare Wine Container (Fangyou)

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