Jue Ritual Vessel

193
Jue Ritual Vessel
China; Transitional style; late Shang dynasty or early Zhou dynasty; 11th-10th c. BC

The vessel rests on three legs so that it could permanently be placed above the fire to warm up liquid. There are two tapering extensions on the rim to allow removal from the fire. There is a decorative band round the middle with taotie masks over the thunder cloud pattern. The vertical field near the handle bears an inscription: Shan made for Ancestor Ding.