Sacral bronze vessel (yi), Shang dynasty

It is used as a storage vessel for sacrificial wine. This unusual shape of the lidded vessel with a pouring spout is also called 'kuang' (guang). Three animals make up the vessel. The animal face of the lid has no body, as is the case with t'ao-t'ieh (taotie). The wings and claw-like feet could belong to the bird-head forming the handle or the owl-head on the lid. -- 23.5 x 31 cm