Cleveland Museum of Art

Tripod (Ding)

Date

c. 1250–1046 BCE

Medium

bronze

Culture

China, Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE), Anyang phase (c. 1250–1046 BCE)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Animal images in ritual bronzes served as symbolic messengers of the supernatural realms. Among others, the animal mask called taotie emerged as the most potent symbolic form. The formidable mask emanates a powerful presence with an unforgettable stare. It expresses an overwhelming feeling of mystery, representing a transcendent, supernatural concept in ancient ritual art.

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