Minneapolis Institute of Art

Pan water vessel

China

Date

9th-8th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The pan basin was often paired with a yi pouring vessel, likely serving both ritual and ceremonial functions. This example has the typical shallow bowl and deep foot, but instead of resting on the foot it is supported by three small human figures. Two handles feature reclining oxen with outward-turned heads and folded legs. The vessel’s surface is divided into four sections by dynamic dragons climbing the sides and biting the rim, adding movement and symbolic power. China, Asia

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