1-233-764 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Bronze tripod basin with taotie masks, early Six Dynasties period, China, 3rd-4th century. A heavy bronze circular tripod basin. The base is with the central section sightly sagging. The interior is plain except for a double circle in the centre of the base, the sides of ogee form showing bands in the interior, the exterior with five raised bands accentuating the shape. The three splayed legs issue from stylised feline heads and end in hoof-like feet. The body has four taotie masks each with two long horns.