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Detail of a Lei wine vessel, 11th century BC (bronze) (see also 3601139)
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Detail of a Lei wine vessel, 11th century BC (bronze) (see also 3601139)
3674191 Detail of a Lei wine vessel, 11th century BC (bronze) (see also 3601139) by Chinese School, Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC); 21.8A--21.1x14.3 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Bronze Age vessels were highly valued as antiquities by Chinese rulers and scholar-officials throughout history. In fact, this is one of a pair of inscribed vessels first published in the Xiqing Gujian, the 18th-century imperial catalogue of bronzes belonging to the Qianlong dynasty emperor (r. 1736-95). The deer shown in the decorative bands on the neck and lid are unusual, but their inclusion here is explained in the thirty-six-character inscription cast within the vessel:
In the first month of the day dingchou, the king
went to Lu where he correctly performed the
liao sacrifice. The king ordered Shi Tao to
present the Prince of Mo with three deer. The
Prince of Mo in order to extoll the kings grace
made this precious vessel.); eMinneapolis Institute of Art; Minneapolis Institute of Art, Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury; Chinese, out of copyright
Media ID 23117736
© Minneapolis Institute of Art Minneapolis Institute of Art, Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury / Bridgeman Images
Alcoholic Beverage Artefact Artifact Bronze Age Ewer Inscribed Prehistoric Wine Vessel
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a mesmerizing detail of a Lei wine vessel, dating back to the 11th century BC during the Western Zhou Dynasty in China. The bronze vessel, measuring 21.8A--21.1x14.3 cm, is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in Minnesota, USA. Bronze Age vessels held immense value as antiquities for Chinese rulers and scholar-officials throughout history. This particular vessel is part of a pair that was featured in the Xiqing Gujian, an imperial catalogue from the 18th-century Qianlong dynasty emperor's collection of bronzes. What makes this piece truly remarkable are the decorative bands on its neck and lid depicting deer—an uncommon motif for such vessels. However, these depictions find their explanation within the thirty-six-character inscription cast within the vessel itself. The inscription reveals that during the first month of dingchou day, which corresponds to a specific date according to ancient Chinese calendar systems, King Wen traveled to Lu where he performed a liao sacrifice with precision. As an act of gratitude towards King Wen's benevolence, Shi Tao was ordered by him to present three deer to Prince Mo who then commissioned this exquisite vessel as a means to extol his grace. This stunning photograph allows us to appreciate not only the intricate craftsmanship but also provides insight into ancient rituals and cultural exchange between royalty during this significant period in Chinese history.
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