Round Bronze Zun (Wine Vessel) with Sacrificial-animal-shaped Heads and Animal-mask Motif
Shang Dynasty (1600—1046BC)
Height: 73.2cm; Diameter at Mouth: 61cm; Diameter at Bottom: 31cm
Excavated from Huarong County, Hunan Province
This bronze zun, a wine vessel, features three sacrificial-animal-shaped heads on its shoulder with three standing birds in between and such motifs as animal-mask design and cloud design in relief on its surface. Little nipple-shaped-nail designs are decorated on the different parts of the animal masks such as noses, mouths, ears, horns, etc.
This Zun was first found in a garbage station, seriously damaged and disintegrated. Only after the professional and careful repair of the experts in cultural relics, we can still have the opportunity to appreciate the original charm of this precious treasure.
Bronzes of Shang Dynasty found in Hunan are famous for their innovative design, distinctive decorations, exquisite metallurgy process and special surface colors that were formed in specific environment. This magnificent Zun, together with the world-renown Square Bronze Zun with Gour Goat Heads, are the very representative of the advanced technological level and high artistic aesthetics of Hunan culture during the early Bronze Age.
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Square Bronze Zun with Gour Goat Heads
Shang Dynasty (1600—1046BC)
Excavated from Ningxiang, Hunan Province
From the collection of National Museum of China
Square Bronze Zun with Sacrificial-animal-shaped Heads and Animal-mask Motif
Shang Dynasty (1600—1046BC)
Excavated from Changning, Hunan Province
Bronze Zun with Sacrificial-animal-shaped Heads and Animal-mask Motif
Shang Dynasty (1600—1046BC)
Excavated from Yueyang, Hunan Province
Round Bronze Zun with Sacrificial-animal-shaped Heads and Fishl-mask Motif
Shang Dynasty (1600—1046BC)
Excavated from Yueyang, Hunan Province
From the collection of Yueyang Museum
As a ritual wine vessel, Zun existed for a long time until the Warring States Period. It is normally round or square in shape. There also exist animal-like Zuns that could be in the shape as follows: elephant, rhinoceros, ox, goat, tiger, pig, horse, owl, duck or fish.
