Bronze Ritual Food Vessel Gui, Western Zhou, 8th/7th C B.C. Cast bronze China, late Western Zhou dynasty, 8th/7th century B.C. Heavily cast Ribbed bulbous body On a splayed foot Flanked by two animal mask and tongue handles Interior impressed with an eight character pictogram A rich patina overall Weight: 3,1 kg Dimensions: 13 x 32 cm Good condition Provenance: Private collection Switzerland Ritual vessel Gui in the archaic style of the Western Zhou period This bronze ritual vessel in Gui form was made in the late Western Zhou dynasty during 8th/7th century B.C. The vessel has a ribbed, bulbous body and stands on a splayed foot. The wall is flanked by two opposing animal mask and tongue handles. The interior is impressed with an eight character pictogram and the beautiful, rich patina decorates the entire wall. The cast bronze has a weight of 3.1 kg and displays age-related traces of wear such as scratches, nicks and some small encrustations. The height measures of 13 cm and the width is 32 cm. Bronze Age The Bronze Age in China began with the Shang Dynasty, known for its elaborate bronze art. Shang bronze smiths usually worked in foundries outside the cities to make ritual vessels, and sometimes weapons and chariot fittings as well. The bronze vessels were receptacles for storing or serving various solids and liquids used in the performance of sacred ceremonies. The most popular shapes include the Hu, the Jue, the Ding, the Gui and the very rare Zhi form. It is typical of the developed Shang style that all available space is decorated, most often with stylized forms of real and imaginary animals. The most common motif is the Taotie which shows a mythological being presented frontally on a horizontal plane to form a symmetrical design. Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance. Starting Bid : 3000