Wine Vessel (Bu) with Animal Masks (Taotie) 饕餮文瓿とうてつもんほう

Description

The Shang dynasty ruled over one part of China more than 3000 years ago, and a great many bronze containers were made during that era for use in ceremonies. This is one such container, and it would have held alcoholic beverages or other liquids during ceremonies. It originally would have glowed a bright golden colour, but it is now covered in a green patina due to oxidization.
On it we can see bodiless creature with large eyes and curling horns. These are depictions of a mythical creature called a taotie that was feared by people of the time. Taotie imagery can also be seen on the lid, perhaps because it was presumed that the vessel would be looked at from above.
The knob on the top looks like it was made in the shape of a coiled snake, but the head of the creature has two horns, so it may in fact be meant to depict a type of dragon. Dragons can also be seen around the taotie, as if following them. The creatures are all beautifully depicted, creating a fully-formed world for us to gaze upon.

This type of wide-mouthed, rotund vessel was likely used to hold alcohol or water for rituals. Some, however, were found with bronze axes inside. With its stately look and clear-cut composition, this one is an outstanding example of [bu] vessels.