1-233-712 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Bronze jue with traditional rounded base, Anyang period, Shang dynasty, China, c12th century BC. A standard bronze jue with clearly articulated shape and rounded egg-shaped base. The body stands on three narrow blade-shaped legs. A spout and a neat pointed rear balance the legs. The bowed handle has a small buffalo head at its top. The decoration consists of a taotie (monster mask) face on each side in dismembered form, the elements forming standing birds all against a neat leiwen ground. The elements of the faces also carry intaglio lines. The smooth surface is dark grey, with areas of rough and smooth green patina.